The male university student elected as women's officer at the Tasmanian University Union (TUU) has stepped down, challenging his critics to do more to fight discrimination.

Young Liberal James Ritchie was elected to the role at the northern campus in a by-election earlier this month, prompting a public backlash.

In his resignation letter, posted on social media, Mr Ritchie said he was genuinely committed to fighting discrimination against women and was left speechless by the hatred directed at him.

He lashed out at his critics, saying he had been ridiculed for trying to serve women on campus and the personal attacks had taken a toll on his family.

"The fact I have been ridiculed for trying to serve the women of this campus and our community more broadly is extremely disappointing," his post said.

"How can we expect our men to stand up for women if they are mocked and insulted for trying to help the cause."

Mr Ritchie said he had not resigned because of public pressure but rather a "willingness to handle situations in an appropriate, mature and rational manner".

He told 936 ABC Hobart he believed gender in the role was irrelevant and he was the best person for the role.

After his election, a petition was started by the university's Women's Collective, calling for him to stand down.

He described allegations that standing for election was a cynical plot to by Young Liberals as "cheap" and "irrelevant" and had deflected from the issues that needed addressing.

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"There has been a lot of pressure for me to resign a lot of interest groups that want me to resign," he said.

"But the main thing for me is I felt my ability to be effective in the role was now diminished and that was the most fundamental thing."

He viewed it as a lost opportunity to encourage improve trust between the genders.

"If you can't get a society where women can approach men about a number of issues and men can approach women, how do you really make progress?"

"The main thing there is the issue of trust... and that comes from respect and I have now doubt I have the respect and trust of the people who voted for me."

New rules for women's candidates

The student union has since introduced a requirement that candidates for the position sign a statutory declaration confirming they identify as female.

President Heidi La Paglia could not explain why Mr Ritchie polled much higher than the female student who contested the position.

"Whether James had good intentions or not, he does not fit that description, we think it's right that he has stepped out of this role," she said.

Ms La Paglia did not think the public backlash had a negative effect on campus.

"I think this has actually raised a lot of women's representation and this may have more positive effects than negative."

Greens MP Nick McKim said he had some sympathy for Mr Ritchie but he had made the right decision.

While he agreed that some people were more comfortable speaking with people they identified with, he said some of the arguments against Mr Ritchie were difficult to sustain.

"Although I'm a little bit uncomfortable about some of the things done and said to and about James, I think ultimately he has made the right decision," Mr McKim said.

It is likely another by-election will be held to fill the vacancy.