The Hidden Crisis: Everyday Lives Lost to Gender-Based Violence

Every day, 137 women and girls lose their lives at the hands of someone they know.

This shocking statistic comes from a recent report that sheds light on the grim reality of femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender. The report reveals that in 2024, around 50,000 women and girls were killed in their own homes by partners or family members.

Root Causes and Global Impact

Femicide is not an isolated event but a result of deep-rooted issues like:

• Gender discrimination
• Unequal power dynamics
• Harmful social norms

It's a stark reminder that violence against women is not just physical but also deeply ingrained in societal structures. The report identifies three types of femicide:

• Killings by intimate partners
• Killings by other family members
• Killings by perpetrators outside the family

The data shows that Africa had the highest number of femicide cases in 2024, with 22,600 victims. However, femicide is a global issue, affecting every region in the world. The lack of data in some areas only masks the true extent of the problem.

Prevention and Justice

Sarah Hendriks, a key figure in the fight against gender-based violence, points out that femicide often follows a pattern of escalating violence. She emphasizes the need for:

• Early intervention
• Laws that address both online and offline violence

The report also highlights the importance of:

• Counting every victim
• Bringing perpetrators to justice

Preventing femicide requires:

• Targeted policies
• Addressing risk factors like access to firearms, coercive control, and substance abuse

It's a complex issue that needs a comprehensive approach. The report stresses that many femicides could be prevented with timely intervention.