The Alarming Rise of Femicide: A Global Crisis

In 2022, the world witnessed a grim milestone: nearly 89,000 women and girls were intentionally killed, marking the highest annual figure in the past two decades. This alarming statistic underscores a tragic reality—home is often not a safe place for many women and girls. 

Disturbingly, 55% of these victims were murdered by intimate partners or family members, amounting to 48,800 lives lost in environments that should provide safety and security.

The Hidden Scale of Femicide

While the reported numbers are shocking, the true scale of femicide is likely even higher. Many cases go uncounted due to inconsistencies in definitions and reporting criteria across countries, especially regarding femicides committed outside the home. This discrepancy in data collection means that the actual number of gender-related killings could be significantly underreported.

Improvements in Data Collection

Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Global data availability on gender-related killings is gradually improving. Between 2009 and 2015, 74 countries had at least one data point on female intimate partner or family-related homicides. This number increased to 99 countries in the period from 2016 to 2022. This improvement is crucial for understanding the full extent of the issue and developing effective interventions.

UN Initiatives to Combat Femicide

The United Nations has been proactive in addressing this crisis. Concrete steps have been taken to assist Member States in improving data collection and reporting. One significant initiative is the introduction and support for the implementation of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Gender-Related Killing of Women and Girls. This framework aims to standardize data collection methods and ensure more accurate reporting across different regions and countries.

The Importance of Accurate Data

Accurate data is essential for several reasons. It helps policymakers understand the scope of the problem, identify trends, and develop targeted interventions. It also provides a clearer picture of the impact of gender-based violence on women and girls globally, which is vital for creating effective prevention and support strategies.

A Call to Action

The rising numbers of femicides are a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. We must continue to push for better data collection, stronger legal frameworks, and comprehensive support systems for victims. Only by understanding the full scale of the problem can we hope to implement effective solutions and protect the lives of women and girls everywhere.

Conclusion

The increasing prevalence of femicide is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls globally. As data collection improves, we gain a clearer understanding of this crisis, which is a crucial step towards addressing and ultimately preventing these heinous acts. The UN's efforts in standardizing and enhancing data collection are vital, but it will take a concerted effort from all sectors of society to bring about meaningful change.

For more information, visit UN Women.