A staggering 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide in 2023, with over 60 percent—more than 51,000—dying at the hands of intimate partners or family members.
This equates to one woman or girl being killed every 10 minutes, according to a joint report by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Released on Monday, November 25, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the report sheds light on the alarming prevalence of femicide globally.
It coincides with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign urging global leaders to dismantle systemic violence against women and girls.
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The report identifies Africa as the region with the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides.
The Americas and Oceania follow, while Europe and the Americas see most victims killed by their intimate partners. In other regions, family members were identified as the primary perpetrators.
UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, underscored that violence against women is preventable with decisive action.
“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable,” Bahous stated. “We need robust legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability, a zero-tolerance culture, and increased funding for women’s rights organisations and institutional bodies.
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“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, it is time for world leaders to unite, act with urgency, recommit, and channel the resources needed to end this crisis once and for all.”
UNODC Executive Director, Ghada Waly, highlighted the need for strong systems to address the crisis.
“The new femicide report highlights the urgent need for robust criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable while ensuring adequate support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms,” Waly said.
“At the same time, we must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women.”
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The report serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive nature of gender-based violence and the need for immediate action.
Advocates are calling on governments, communities, and individuals to commit to systemic changes to address the root causes of violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign will continue until December 10, which marks Human Rights Day, emphasizing the inextricable link between gender equality and human rights.
