Every ten minutes, somewhere around the globe, a woman or girl is murdered by someone they trusted, often within the confines of their own home. This chilling statistic revealed by the United Nations’ 2023 Femicide Report, released on November 25, highlights the alarming rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides worldwide.
During the past year, around 51,100 women and girls lost their lives due to femicide, which is defined as the intentional killing of women because of their gender. This marked an increase from 48,800 victims reported in 2022, according to the updated statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women. The increase reflects improved data collection methodologies rather than a straightforward rise in killings.
On average, 140 women and girls were killed every day at the hands of their partners or close family members, which emphasizes the widespread and persistent nature of domestic violence. The report allows policymakers and organizations worldwide to see the depth of this crisis, particularly among regions with the highest femicide rates.
Africa stands at the forefront of this alarming trend, bearing the highest rate of intimate partner and family-related femicides with over 21,700 women killed last year. This equates to approximately 2.9 victims per 100,000 people. Following closely, the Americas and Oceania recorded femicide rates of 1.6 and 1.5 per 100,000, respectively. By comparison, rates were significantly lower in Asia at 0.8 and Europe at 0.6 per 100,000.
The stark regional disparities depicted within the report also reveal cultural and societal dynamics fueling these death totals. For example, intimate partners typically perpetrate murders within Europe and the Americas, representing 64% and 58% of cases, respectively. Conversely, the data indicates women from Africa and Asia are more likely to be killed by family members rather than partners—a reflection of varying cultural backgrounds and societal practices.
Despite the increasing recognition of the severity of these issues, the report also highlighted the significant challenges posed by the lack of reliable data globally. While many countries have improved reporting on femicides, the number of countries contributing meaningful data has dropped dramatically from 75 to just about 38 between 2020 and 2023. This inconsistency complicates the global accountability necessary for effectively tackling these crimes.
“We need to act now!” UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, expressing urgency and calling for stronger measures against the exploitation of women and girls. He referred to the epidemic of violence against women as shameful for humanity and emphasized the need for urgent justice and accountability.
This alarming femicide trend is not confined to distant regions; many countries, including Kenya, have seen unprecedented spikes. Recent reports indicate 97 femicide cases were recorded by the National Police Service within three months. Activists have organized protests urging the Kenyan government to declare femicide as a national disaster, emphasizing the pressing need for state action.
Fueling public outrage, the Kenyan President William Ruto announced on November 20, prior to the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, his commitment to addressing the rise of femicides through substantial initiatives aimed at supporting victims. The plan includes the distribution of Sh100 million to establish Safe Homes and to promote resources available for victims of domestic violence, reinforcing the necessity for community education on recognizing the signs of abuse.
While the report uncovers the dark reality of femicide, it also sheds light on pathways for prevention often overlooked. A significant percentage of women killed by partners had reported experiencing violence prior to their deaths; estimates suggest between 22% to 37% of victims had previously suffered from various forms of abuse. This statistic accentuates the urgent need for systemic interventions, including more accessible restraining orders, increased funding for women’s rights organizations, and broader legislative changes to address gender-based violence comprehensively.
Reflecting on the challenges presented by the crisis, Sima Bahous, the executive director of UN Women, underscored the necessity for long-lasting solutions to curb the patterns of domestic abuse. "Violence against women and girls is preventable—this must be our guiding principle as we engage all stakeholders to curb this trend," she proclaimed.
The 2023 Femicide Report serves as both a wake-up call and guiding light for collective action against violence directed at women across the globe. With substantial investments and focused legislation, advocates are hopeful about dismantling the oppressive structures leading to such tragedies. This year’s observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women serves as both remembrance and recognition, compelling society at large to confront the grim realities of femicide and seek solutions with unwavering resolve.
