Ghada Waly, UNODC's Executive Director. [PHOTO,CREDITS]
Recent statistics show that, more than half of female homicides worldwide are perpetrated by family or intimate partners, challenging the perception of home as a safe haven for women and girls. On average, over 133 women or girls face the tragic end of their lives daily within their own homes, in stark contrast to the 12% of male homicides occurring in domestic settings.
Nearly 40% of female homicides lack clear gender-related motives, stressing the urgent need for a comprehensive global response.
Ghada Waly, UNODC’s Executive Director, emphasizes the immediate need to confront deep-rooted inequalities and violence against women. Governments worldwide are called upon to invest in inclusive institutions, enhance criminal justice responses, and eliminate impunity.
Gender-based violence extends across all regions, with Africa surpassing Asia in 2022 as the region with the highest number of female victims. Femicides by family or partners in North America surged by 29% between 2017 and 2022, attributed in part to improved recording practices. The Caribbean witnessed an 8% increase, while Central and South America experienced reductions of 10% and 8%, respectively. Europe, however, saw a 21% average reduction in femicide since 2010.
However, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, face a challenge because there isn’t enough data. This shows the urgent need for better information to tackle the global crisis of femicide.
