New data reveals that British women are the angriest in Europe, with nearly a quarter reporting feelings of rage compared to just one in seven across the continent. The Hologic Global Women's Health Index, based on polls of over 76,000 women worldwide, shows a 47% surge in anger among UK women year on year, while other European countries remain stable.
Healthcare woes fuel frustration
The UK has dropped to its lowest-ever position on the index, falling from 41st to 48th out of 142 countries. Nearly a third of British women reported physical pain the previous day, the highest level recorded. Two in five women reported anxiety over healthcare access, and almost 70% experienced delays seeking NHS care. Women make up 57% of the 7.36 million-strong NHS waiting list, with gynaecology the largest specialty for those aged 18-64.
Gender pay gap persists
Median pay for women is 12.8% less than for men as of April 2025, equating to a £2,548 annual shortfall. Women effectively work for free for the first six weeks of the year.
Unpaid care burden
Women are 29% more likely to take on unpaid caring responsibilities and perform more than double the unpaid childcare of men, according to the Centre for Progressive Policy.
Femicide rates high
Headlines frequently report men murdering women. A 2023 Eurostat study ranked the UK sixth highest for women killed by a partner or family member among 23 European countries.
Blamed for men's actions
Nicola Sturgeon faced media vilification after her husband Peter Murrell embezzled SNP funds, despite her lack of involvement. She noted that her picture appeared on more front pages than his.
Inadequate maternity policies
The UK's statutory parental leave system is one of the worst in the developed world. Men get only two weeks of paid leave, compared to 16 weeks in Spain and 90 days in Sweden.
Gender equality gap
KCL's 2025 Gender Equality Index UK found no local authority achieved full gender parity. More equal areas benefit everyone with higher economic activity, productivity, and lower deprivation.
The article concludes that gender equality is not a zero-sum game, and men should also advocate for women's anger, as happier women benefit all.
