In 2023, one woman was killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member, according to a joint report by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Released to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the report highlights the global crisis of femicide—defined as the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender. The findings highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to combat this pervasive issue.
Regional Disparities in Femicide Rates
The report reveals stark regional differences in femicide rates. Africa bore the heaviest toll, with 21,700 women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members in 2023. The Americas and Oceania followed, while Europe reported the lowest absolute numbers, with 2,300 femicides. However, Europe recorded the highest proportion of cases committed by intimate partners, at 64%. In contrast, in Africa and Asia, family members were more frequently the perpetrators, reflecting diverse social and cultural dynamics influencing violence against women.
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Preventable Tragedies
Many femicides are the culmination of ongoing violence that could have been prevented. Data from France, South Africa, and Colombia reveals that a significant proportion of women killed by intimate partners had previously reported abuse, with rates ranging from 22% to 37%. These findings emphasize the inadequacy of protective measures such as restraining orders and highlight systemic failures in law enforcement, shelter provision, and survivor support. The home remains the most dangerous place for women and girls, with over 60% of all female homicides occurring within its confines.
Data Crisis
Efforts to tackle femicide are hampered by inconsistent data collection and reporting. In 2023, only 37 countries provided data on intimate partner and family-related femicides, a significant decline from 75 countries in 2020. This gap makes it difficult to assess trends, allocate resources effectively, and hold governments accountable for addressing violence against women. UN Women and UNODC emphasize the importance of systematic data collection, arguing that accurate and transparent reporting is essential to inform policies and track progress.
Why Femicide Persists
The persistence of femicide is rooted in deep-seated gender inequalities and harmful social norms. Patriarchal structures, cultural stereotypes, and a lack of robust legal protections perpetuate violence against women and normalize abuse. Intersectional factors exacerbate the problem, with adolescent girls, racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged women facing higher risks of violence. By age 19, nearly 24% of adolescent girls in relationships report experiencing abuse, illustrating the vulnerability of younger demographics.
Need for Urgent Action
The report stresses that violence against women is preventable. Countries like Spain demonstrate how comprehensive legal frameworks can make a difference. Spain’s “Organic Law 1/2004 on Integrated Protection Measures against Gender Violence” integrates prevention, protection, and accountability measures, offering a model for other nations. However, even in regions with progressive laws, implementation often falls short. Survivors continue to face barriers such as societal stigma, inadequate police responses, and insufficient funding for support systems.
UN leaders emphasize the importance of transforming social norms to foster a zero-tolerance culture. Robust legislation, greater government accountability, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations are essential. Strengthening criminal justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable and provide survivors with access to justice is equally critical.
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The release of the femicide report aligns with the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, themed “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNITE to End Violence against Women.” This campaign highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to address the structures that perpetuate violence. It also coincides with approaching global milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 and the 2030 deadline for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).