UN Report Reveals One Woman Killed by Someone Close Every 10 Minutes Worldwide
A startling new report by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that in 2023, approximately 51,100 women and girls were killed by an intimate partner or a family member, translating to one woman being murdered every 10 minutes.
The report, based on data from 107 countries, highlights the alarming global scale of femicide — the killing of women and girls because of their gender.
The UN data shows that about 60 per cent of female homicides are committed by someone close to the victim, including partners, fathers, uncles, brothers, and other relatives. In stark contrast, only 11 per cent of male homicide victims are killed by a family member or intimate partner, underscoring the gendered nature of this violence.
Regional patterns reveal significant differences. In Africa, most femicides are carried out by family members, while in Europe and the Americas, intimate partners are more often the perpetrators.
The UN notes that cultural, social, and economic factors contribute to the varying patterns of violence against women and girls.
The report also highlights major challenges in tracking femicide. Many countries lack consistent and comprehensive data collection systems, making it difficult to assess trends or evaluate the effectiveness of prevention policies.
The UN warns that many killings occur in private spaces, particularly homes, often following a long history of abuse.
In response to the findings, the UN calls for stronger legal frameworks, better data collection, and increased resources for organizations addressing gender-based violence.
Governments are urged to implement zero-tolerance policies, support survivors, and invest in prevention measures to curb this epidemic.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the global gender crisis, emphasizing that violence against women is not confined to specific regions or cultures.
The UN stresses that urgent action is required to protect women and girls and to meet international commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
As the world grapples with this crisis, the UN’s report underscores that every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life at the hands of someone she knows, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and societal vigilance to prevent further tragedies.
