Rise in intentional female murder reveals home is not safe, says UN report
A recent United Nations (UN) study has unmasked a staggering surge in female murders, reaching a grim milestone with almost 89,000 women and girls worldwide meeting tragic ends last year.
This unsettling figure marks the highest annual toll in two decades, sending shockwaves through global communities.
The alarming findings, disclosed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), spotlight a disturbing trend of intentional female murder, or femicide, escalating even as overall murder rates show a decline.
A shocking 55% of these intentional female murders were carried out by family members or partners, a stark revelation that shatters the illusion of the home as a haven for women and girls. Intriguingly, in a surprising twist, the report revealed that only 12% of male killings occurred within domestic confines, underscoring the unsettling vulnerability women face in their supposed places of safety.
Ghada Waly, the Executive Director of UNODC, expressed grave concern over the disconcerting rise in intentional female murders. She pointed out that this distressing trend serves as an ominous reminder of the enduring societal challenges tied to deeply rooted inequality and violence against women and girls.
Waly went on to emphasise a critical call to action, stating that governments worldwide must allocate more resources to establish robust and proactive institutions. These institutions, she argued, are vital to ending impunity, fortifying defences, and providing comprehensive support to victims – from frontline responders to the judiciary. The aim is to intervene and prevent violence before it spirals out of control, reported Sanook.
The UN’s urgent plea comes as a stark wake-up call to societies across the globe, urging immediate action to dismantle the alarming rise in femicide and secure the sanctity of homes for women and girls. The battle against inequality and violence rages on, demanding a united front in safeguarding lives and ensuring a future free from fear.
