The Femicide in 2023 document concludes that women and girls around the world continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence, and no region of the world is excluded.
“With approximately 21,700 victims of partner- or family-related femicides in 2023, Africa is the region with the highest number of victims in aggregate terms,” the report reads.
Asia recorded 18,500 victims, the Americas 8,300, Europe 2,300 and Oceania 300.
Africa is also home to the highest number of intimate partner/family femicide victims relative to the size of its population (with 2.9 victims per 100,000 last year).
The Americas and Oceania also recorded high rates of femicide among intimate partners and family members in 2023, at 1.6 and 1.5 per 100,000, respectively.
The authors of the report underline that, in addition to the murder of women and girls by their partners or other family members, there are other forms of femicide.
This is the example of France, where in the period 2019-2022, 79% of all female homicides were committed by intimate partners or other family members, while other forms of femicide accounted for a further 5% of all female homicides.
Data available for three countries – France (2019-2022), South Africa (2020-2021) and Colombia (2014-2017) – confirm that a significant percentage of women killed by their intimate partner (between 22 and 37%) had previously reported some form of physical, sexual or psychological violence by their partner.
“This suggests that many murders of women can be prevented,” the paper’s authors conclude, defending restraining orders against male partners, which prohibit new contact between them and the victims of their violence, as measures that can prevent the murder of women. women. , among other actions.
Globally, an estimated 1.3 women per 100,000 female population will be killed by an intimate partner or other family member in 2023.
Read also: Every 10 minutes a woman dies from domestic violence in the world
How can communities effectively address and reduce femicide through education and awareness initiatives?
Interview: Exploring Global Femicide Trends in 2023
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Elena Marquez. You’ve been studying gender-based violence, particularly femicide, for over a decade now. The recent Femicide 2023 report paints a stark picture. What are your initial thoughts on the findings?
Dr. Elena Marquez: Thank you for having me. The findings are indeed alarming. The report highlights that women and girls continue to face extreme forms of gender-based violence worldwide, with no region unaffected. It’s a horrific reality that calls for urgent action.
Interviewer: The numbers are staggering, especially with Africa leading with approximately 21,700 victims in 2023. What factors do you think contribute to Africa having the highest rate of femicides?
Dr. Elena Marquez: Several intertwined factors contribute to this. Socioeconomic challenges, lack of legal protections, and cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality play significant roles. Additionally, conflicts in some regions exacerbate the situation, leaving women vulnerable to violence both within and outside their homes.
Interviewer: Asia follows closely with 18,500 victims, while the Americas, Europe, and Oceania have significantly lower numbers. What might account for these regional differences?
Dr. Elena Marquez: Each region has its own dynamics. In Asia, cultural narratives around male dominance and the pressures faced by women can lead to violence. The Americas experience femicide through a combination of gang violence, domestic disputes, and systemic misogyny. Europe has better access to protective legal frameworks and support systems, which may account for the lower numbers, but it’s essential to note that even a few thousand cases are still too many. Oceania’s figures are troubling as well and often go unnoticed despite being dramatic in scale considering the population.
Interviewer: You mentioned cultural norms and legal protections. How important is the role of education and community awareness in combating femicide?
Dr. Elena Marquez: Education is crucial. Empowering women and educating communities about gender equality can change long-standing norms. Awareness campaigns that engage men and boys are equally important, as they play a vital role in redefining masculinity and challenging harmful behaviors. Furthermore, legal reforms must be accompanied by societal change; otherwise, they risk being ineffective.
Interviewer: In light of these findings, what immediate actions do you believe should be taken by governments and organizations worldwide?
Dr. Elena Marquez: Immediate actions should involve strengthening legal frameworks to protect women, implementing training for law enforcement on handling domestic violence cases sensitively, and increasing funding for women’s shelters and support services. International cooperation is also key; sharing successful strategies and practices can help regions learn from each other.
Interviewer: As we look to the future, what message would you like to convey to our readers about this disturbing trend of femicide?
Dr. Elena Marquez: It’s imperative that we don’t view femicide as a distant issue affecting only certain countries—it’s a global epidemic. Everyone has a role to play, whether it’s advocating for policy changes, supporting local organizations, or simply educating ourselves and others about the risks. Collective action starts with awareness and a commitment to stand against gender-based violence.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Marquez. It’s clear we have a long road ahead, but your insights provide hope that change is possible.
Dr. Elena Marquez: Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Together, we can work towards a world where all women and girls are safe and free from violence.