Every 10 minutes in 2024, a woman was intentionally killed by a partner or family member, showing a grim upward trend, according to the latest UN report. This extreme form of violence, known as femicide, represents gender-related killings rooted in discrimination, harmful social norms, and unequal power dynamics. Femicide occurs at home, in workplaces, and public spaces, escalating as a major global public health and human rights crisis.
Defining Femicide Versus Homicide
Femicide is defined as the intentional killing of a woman motivated by gender-related reasons, differing from homicide where gender motivation may be absent. It often results from intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, harmful practices, or human trafficking. Understanding this distinction is critical for targeted prevention and legal recognition of the problem’s gendered nature.
Intimate Partner and Family Violence Statistics
In 2024, about 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members—averaging 137 deaths per day globally. Intimate partners remain the most common perpetrators, responsible for 60% of family-related femicides. Family violence extends beyond partners, with killings by fathers, brothers, and other relatives forming a significant portion of these tragic deaths.
Femicide Beyond the Family Sphere
Gender-related killings also happen outside homes, often linked to sexual violence by strangers, harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation, honor killings, or targeted hate crimes against women based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Armed conflicts, gangs, and organized crime further exacerbate femicide risks worldwide.
Regional Overview of Femicide Rates
Africa reports the highest female intimate partner and family-related killings in 2024, with 22,600 victims (3 per 100,000 women). The Americas and Oceania also record high rates, while Asia and Europe have comparatively lower figures. UN Women warns that under-reporting means the true scale of femicide is likely much higher.
Groups Particularly at Risk
Women in public life—including politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders—face escalating threats, often both online and offline. Technology-enabled abuse such as cyberstalking can escalate into lethal violence. Indigenous and transgender women experience disproportionate and rising targeted killings globally.
Causes Behind Femicide’s Increase
This alarming rise in femicide is driven by entrenched gender inequalities, discriminatory norms, conflict-related violence, weak protection and accountability systems, and intensified online harassment. Economic insecurity and shrinking civic spaces also heighten lethal risks faced by women.
UN’s Role in Combating Femicide
The UN addresses femicide through strengthening legal protections, survivor-centered services, data collection, law enforcement training, and public campaigns that confront harmful gender norms. International frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) provide crucial international commitment.
The UN’s sobering femicide report highlights a global gender crisis demanding urgent action. Greater awareness, stronger legal frameworks, and community support are essential to stop this lethal violence against women. Implementing multi-pronged strategies that uphold women’s rights and safety can change this deadly trajectory and foster safer societies worldwide.
Q&A: Femicide — Understanding the Crisis
Q: What distinguishes femicide from homicide?
A: Femicide involves killings motivated by gender discrimination, unlike homicides that may lack gender motives.
Q: Who are the primary perpetrators?
A: Current or former intimate partners commit most femicides, responsible for about 60% of cases.
Q: Why is femicide increasing globally?
A: Persistent gender inequality, conflict situations, weak protections, and economic insecurity fuel the trend.
Q: Which women face the greatest risk?
A: Women activists, journalists, indigenous, and transgender women face disproportionate threats.
Q: How does the UN help fight femicide?
A: The UN strengthens laws, supports survivors, improves data, trains police, and campaigns against gender violence.
FAQ on Femicide and Prevention Efforts
Is femicide reported equally worldwide?
No, under-reporting and stigma mean actual numbers may be higher than official data.
Can femicide occur outside domestic settings?
Yes, it includes killings linked to sexual violence, honor crimes, and identity-based hate crimes.
What legal tools exist against femicide?
International conventions like CEDAW and national laws targeting gender violence support prevention.
How can societies reduce femicide rates?
By challenging harmful gender norms, improving law enforcement, supporting victims, and promoting equality.
Are online threats connected to femicide?
Yes, technology-facilitated abuse often escalates offline and can lead to fatal violence.
