UN Report Highlights Alarming Rates of Femicide Worldwide
A recent report by the United Nations reveals a staggering statistic: every ten minutes, a woman is killed by her partner or a family member. In 2023 alone, at least 85,000 women and girls were intentionally murdered, with 60% of these homicides committed by intimate partners or family members. This translates to approximately 51,000 victims, marking an increase from 48,800 in 2022. The report, released by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), emphasizes the urgent need for preventive measures and stronger legal frameworks to combat this crisis.
Global Trends in Femicide
The report indicates that femicide is a global issue that transcends borders and affects all social categories and age groups. Regions such as Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean report the highest rates of femicide. In Africa, the rate is particularly alarming, with 21,700 women killed by intimate partners or family members, equating to 2.9 victims per 100,000 inhabitants. In contrast, the rates in America, Asia, and Europe are significantly lower, at 1.6, 0.8, and 0.6 victims per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The data highlights a critical need for robust criminal justice systems that can hold perpetrators accountable and provide adequate support for survivors.
Call to Action for Global Leaders
As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous and UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly stress the importance of immediate action. They urge world leaders to renew their commitments to women's rights and gender equality, particularly as 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. The report calls for enhanced data collection, stronger laws, and increased funding for women's rights organizations. To amplify this message, UN Women and UNODC are launching a global campaign, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, to demand concrete actions to protect women's lives and dismantle the societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.
