In 2023, femicide continued as a pervasive global crisis. According to a joint report by UN Women and UNODC, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally. Disturbingly, 60% of these deaths—over 51,100—occurred at the hands of intimate partners or family members.
Every day, 140 women and girls lose their lives to violence inflicted by someone close to them. This averages to one woman killed every 10 minutes.
GLOBAL OBSERVANCE HIGHLIGHTS URGENT NEED FOR ACTION
Released on the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the report underscores the urgency to address this epidemic.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized this urgency, stating, “The epidemic of violence against women and girls shames humanity. We need urgent action for justice, accountability, and support.”
Regional Disparities in Femicide Rates
The report Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides highlights significant regional differences in femicide rates.
- Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides.
- The Americas followed, with Oceania ranking third.
- In Europe and the Americas, most domestic sphere killings (64% and 58%, respectively) involved intimate partners.
- Elsewhere, family members were the primary perpetrators.
UNITE CAMPAIGN: RAISING AWARENESS AND DRIVING ACTION
The report coincides with the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign (25 November–10 December). This year’s theme, “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNITE to End Violence against Women,” aims to spotlight escalating violence against women.
UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, urged global leaders to act decisively. She stated, “Violence against them is not inevitable—it is preventable. We need robust legislation, zero-tolerance policies, and greater funding for women’s rights organizations.”
ROLE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, highlighted the critical need for strong criminal justice systems.
“Perpetrators must face accountability,” Waly asserted. “At the same time, survivors need support, including safe and transparent reporting mechanisms.”
The report stresses dismantling harmful gender norms and power imbalances that perpetuate violence. Without addressing root causes, the cycle of violence will persist.
A CRITICAL TURNING POINT FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS
The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 presents a pivotal moment. This landmark initiative is crucial. The five-year deadline to meet the Sustainable Development Goals provides an opportunity to rally global leaders.
World leaders must recommit to addressing violence against women. It’s time to guarantee accountability, invest in preventive measures, and end impunity.
STEPS TO COMBAT FEMICIDE
Ending femicide requires a multifaceted approach:
- Strengthening legislation: Governments must adopt and enforce laws addressing gender-based violence.
- Improved data collection: Comprehensive, global data is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Zero-tolerance culture: Societies must reject all forms of violence against women and girls.
- Increased funding: Support for women’s rights organizations ensures survivors get the help they need.
- Empowering survivors: Provide safe spaces and resources for those at risk.
JOIN THE FIGHT: UNITE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
The fight against femicide is a collective responsibility. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to create a safer world for women and girls.
Violence against women is preventable, but it requires action, accountability, and advocacy. As Sima Bahous stated, “The time to act is now.”
