A Woman Loses Her Life to a Partner or Family Member Every 10 Minutes Around the Globe, Reports the UN

Every ten minutes, a woman loses her life due to violence from a partner or a family member, according to a recent alert from the United Nations. The situation remains critically alarming, with femicides recorded at unacceptably high levels worldwide in 2023.

In a staggering report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Women agency, it was revealed that nearly 85,000 women and girls were murdered last year alone. This figure shines a harsh spotlight on the tragic reality that around 60%—over 51,000—were victims of someone they knew: a partner or a relative.

Breaking this down further, that translates to an average of 140 women losing their lives every single day—one woman every ten minutes, killed by those who were supposed to protect them.

While it’s true that homicide affects men disproportionately—men make up about 80% of murder victims and are four times more likely to be killed—they often face danger from strangers rather than people they trust. In contrast, women’s murders predominantly occur within the intimate confines of home or familial relationships.

Africa bears the heaviest burden, suffering the loss of 21,700 women to femicide in 2023 alone. Conversely, Europe reported the fewest incidents, with approximately 2,300 cases, showing that circumstances vary significantly across regions.

Despite some nations putting forth genuine efforts to curtail these heinous acts, the report underscores that entrenched gender inequalities and harmful stereotypes continue to fuel this violence, leaving femicide rates “alarmingly high.”

Ghada Waly, the UNODC Executive Director, emphasized, “We must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women.” This quote encapsulates the urgent need for societal change regarding perceptions of gender and violence.

Data from countries like France indicate that many femicides are often the tragic end point of ongoing cycles of abuse. Interventions such as restraining orders have shown potential in preventing these fatal outcomes.

Sima Bahous, the Executive Director of UN Women, stated the need for “robust legislation, greater government accountability, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations” to combat the epidemic of violence against women effectively. She further expressed the necessity for enhanced data collection from various national sources, including news outlets, to provide clearer insight into this issue. Additionally, cultivating a “zero-tolerance culture” towards femicide is crucial.

This alarming report draws its conclusions from data gathered across 107 countries and territories, presenting a troubling yet vital perspective on the ongoing struggle for women’s safety and rights. The timing of the release coincides poignantly with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a clear reminder that we must not turn a blind eye to these issues.

In essence, the core message is simple yet profound: violence against women, especially through femicide, is a grave and ongoing crisis that requires immediate and collective action. With a blend of stronger laws, societal change, and a commitment to understanding the underlying issues, we can strive towards a world where such tragic statistics become relics of the past. The need for empathetic discussions, courageous advocacy, and unwavering support for women’s empowerment has never been more crucial. As we ally together in this fight, let us remember: every number represents a life—a life that mattered.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring