Sadiq Khan has called for misogyny to be classed as a 'hate crime' to help stamp out sexism.

The London Mayor underlined his credentials as a 'proud feminist' as he spoke at a Women of the World event yesterday.

He said female gender should be included in the list of protected characteristics that can aggravate offences - currently including disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

Mr Khan, who is fighting for re-election to City Hall in the election on May 7, said: 'The safety of all Londoners is my first priority and as a proud feminist I find it simply unacceptable that any woman or girl in our city should experience these devastating crimes.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured at the #March4Women event in the capital today) has underlined his credentials as a 'proud feminist'

Mr Khan suggested female gender should be included in the list of protected characteristics that can aggravate offences - currently including disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity

'I want all women to feel safe in London, whether they are going to work or enjoying the culture and entertainment that London has to offer. It is time for every Londoner to call out sexist and misogynistic attitudes wherever they encounter them – in the workplace, at school, on the streets or on public transport.

'I am proud to support calls to recognise misogyny as a hate crime and for all hate crimes based on protected characteristics to be treated equally.'

Mr Khan also endorsed ending the 'heirachy' that sees incidents aggravated by racial or religious hatred treated more harshly than those related to on sexual orientation.

The Crown Prosecution Service definition of a hate crime is a ‘range of criminal behaviour where the perpetrator is motivated by hostility or demonstrates hostility towards the victim's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity’.

The Law Commission is conducting a review of hate crime legislation.