In 2023, the United Nations reported that a woman was killed by a partner or relative every ten minutes around the globe, highlighting that femicides continue to be at “alarmingly high levels”.
Nearly 85,000 women and girls were murdered last year, as revealed in a collaborative report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women.
The findings indicated that approximately 60%, or over 51,000 women and girls, were killed by someone they were close to.
This translates to 140 women being murdered daily, or one every ten minutes, by individuals in their immediate circle.
Although men are four times more likely to be victims of homicide—constituting 80% of all murder victims last year—they frequently fell victim to strangers.
Africa suffered the most significant impact, with 21,700 women killed by acquaintances in 2023.
In contrast, Europe recorded the lowest femicide figures, with 2,300 murders in total, as well as Asia.
Despite initiatives in various countries aimed at preventing femicides, the rates remain “at alarmingly high levels” due to entrenched gender inequality and harmful stereotypes.
“We must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and damaging norms that sustain violence against women,” stated UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly in remarks that accompanied the report.
Evidence from several countries, including France, suggested that femicides often represent the “culmination” of ongoing violence, which could be prevented through interventions like restraining orders.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous emphasized the necessity for robust legislation, enhanced government accountability, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations and institutions to combat violence against women.
Additionally, she highlighted that improved data gathering from various national sources—including media reports—and the establishment of a “zero-tolerance culture” are vital in addressing femicides.
The report draws on data from 107 countries or territories and insights collected by UNODC from responses provided by its member states.
This release coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
