International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women: The Alarming Reality of Femicide
On November 25, 2024, UN Women released a harrowing report revealing that one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by an intimate partner or family member. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive issue of femicide, which is defined as the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. According to the report, titled "Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides," 60% of female homicides globally are committed by someone close to the victim. In total, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023, with 51,100 of these murders perpetrated by intimate partners or family members.
As we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is crucial to recognize the urgent need for action. The report highlights that in Africa, intimate partner and family-related femicide rates are the highest, followed by the Americas and Oceania. In Europe and the Americas, a significant majority of women killed in domestic settings were victims of intimate partners. This indicates a worrying trend that reflects deeper societal issues such as gender inequality and violence normalization.
UN Women’s Executive Director, Sima Bahous, emphasizes that violence against women is preventable. Stronger legislation, improved data collection, and better support systems for survivors are essential. The upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration in 2025 serves as a critical opportunity for global leaders to unite and take decisive action to combat this crisis.
As we enter the period of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, initiatives like #NoExcuse and #16Days will amplify the call for accountability and action. It is time to dismantle the harmful norms that perpetuate violence and ensure that women and girls can live free from fear.
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