The continuing crisis of Femicide: One woman killed every 10 minutes

Every ten minutes, a woman is killed.

This stark reality, unveiled in a recent UN report, paints a harrowing picture of a global crisis that continues to claim countless lives

Femicide, the gender-based killing of women, is a scourge that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. It is a silent pandemic that demands urgent attention.

The UN report, released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, paints a grim portrait of the extent of femicide worldwide. In 2023 alone, an estimated 140 women and girls were killed daily by intimate partners or family members.

“The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity,” said Secretary-General António Guterres. “The world must heed this call. We need urgent action for justice and accountability and support for advocacy.”

While the data provides a chilling snapshot, it is important to acknowledge that these figures likely represent an undercount. Many cases go unreported or misclassified, making it difficult to grasp the true scale of the problem fully.

The roots of femicide

Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl because of her gender.

While misogyny is an accepted issue in general discussions, formally, it is difficult to prove that femicide happens and exists.

The root causes of femicide are complex and multifaceted. They stem from deep-seated gender inequalities, harmful social norms, and patriarchal power structures that perpetuate violence against women. These factors create an environment where women are seen as property, objects, or less valuable than men.

• Intimate partner violence:

  • A significant proportion of femicides are perpetrated by intimate partners. This violence often escalates over time, starting with emotional abuse and control and culminating in physical and sexual assault.

• Honour killings:

  • In some cultures, women are killed by family members, often male relatives, to protect the family’s honour, particularly if they are perceived to have brought shame upon the family through actions such as refusing an arranged marriage or engaging in premarital sex.

• Femicide as a weapon of war:

  • In conflict zones, women are often targeted for sexual violence and murder as a tactic of war. This violence is used to humiliate, terrorise, and displace communities.

• Gender-based discrimination:

  • Discrimination against women in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare can limit their opportunities and perpetuate their vulnerability to violence.

The impact of femicide

The impact of femicide extends far beyond the immediate loss of life. It has devastating consequences for families, communities, and societies as a whole. Survivors of femicide attempts often suffer from physical and psychological trauma, while families are left to grapple with grief and loss.

Femicide also undermines social cohesion and economic development, as it robs communities of their valuable members.

Every ten minutes, a woman is killed.

Addressing the crisis

To effectively address the crisis of femicide, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes:

• Strengthening legal frameworks:

  • Laws that criminalise domestic violence, sexual assault, and femicide must be enacted, improved and enforced.

• Improving data collection and analysis:

  • Better data collection and analysis can help identify patterns and trends, inform policy decisions, and allocate resources effectively.

• Providing support services for survivors:

  • Survivors of violence need access to shelters, counselling, legal aid, and other support services.

• Challenging harmful norms:

  • Education and awareness campaigns can help to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender equality.

• Empowering women and girls:

  • Empowering women and girls through education, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare can help to reduce their vulnerability to violence.

• International cooperation:

  • International cooperation is essential to share best practices, coordinate efforts, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The fight against femicide is a long and arduous one, but it is a fight that must be won. By working together, we can create a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

Regional disparities of family-related femicides

Femicide transcends borders, socioeconomic statuses, and cultures, but its severity varies regionally.

According to the United Nations report, Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides, with 21,700 women killed in 2023, followed by the Americas and Oceania.

In Europe and the Americas, most victims were killed by their intimate partners, comprising 64 per cent and 58 per cent of cases, respectively. In contrast, women in Africa and Asia were more likely to be killed by family members than by partners, reflecting varied cultural and social dynamics responsible for this discrimination.

The media and COVID-19

The media can play a crucial role in raising awareness about femicide and challenging harmful stereotypes. Journalists need to report on femicide cases sensitively and accurately, avoiding victim-blaming and sensationalism.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem of domestic violence and femicide, as lockdowns and economic hardship increased stress and tension within households.

By understanding the root causes of femicide, recognising its devastating impact, and taking decisive action, we can work towards a future where every woman and girl can live a life free from fear and violence.