Unveiling the Epidemic: Femicide

“The vast majority of all murders of women are femicides.”  Dr. Diana Russell

Femicide represents, in my opinion, the most extreme and darkest forms of violence committed against women. It is a global, widespread issue that has no borderlines or boundaries. It is a crime that can happen to a woman regardless of their age, race, profession, or social status. 

The word ;femicide; refers to the intentional killing of women - just because they are women. Femicide is not your average murder. It is a gender-based crime without any reason - except, the gender. In 2022 alone, the United Nations reported approximately 89,000 femicide cases worldwide. About 49,000 of these murders were by former intimate partners or by people within the victims' day to day environment.  

This shows that femicide isn’t unfamiliar, nor is it a rare event. It can, and does occur anywhere and everywhere - whether that be at home, at work, or even whilst doing daily activities. The bitter reality is that approximately 55% of all femicides involve someone close to the victim - such as a

trusted family member or romantic partner. These personal bonds between the murderer and victim draw attention to a very disturbing element in femicide; people who are meant to be trustworthy and safe are frequently the ones who are dangerous.  

The effects of femicide go way beyond the horror of the crime. Femicide steals a woman's right to live, and strips her of her spirit and her dreams. Victims of femicide can undergo extreme physical and psychological trauma. Many women live in silence and fear long before their murders. They face physical and emotional abuse and terror. This shows that femicide is not just a violent act of murder - but it is also a long period of silent suffering. 

The psychological and emotional effects of femicide go way beyond the victim. They spread through communities, causing a tremendous amount of fear and trauma. For the family of the victim; they are left to deal with the aftermath of the violence. They have to endure grief and face social stigma all while trying to get justice for the victim. Similarly, femicide deeply affects other women in society. The psychological effects carry throughout - limiting their freedom and altering their day to day lives. There is a constant threat of violence which restricts their movements and impacts their mental wellbeing. 

To understand femicide, I researched several cases about women all around the world. 

Starting with my home country. In Pakistan, there have been over 5000 recorded femicide cases since 2012. As of 14th June, 2024, 4,152 days have passed since January 1st, 2012. 

This goes to show that femicide is not at all uncommon in Pakistan, rather it is rapidly increasing. In fact, femicide cases in Pakistan are partially what inspired me to undertake this as my personal project. 

In July of 2021, Noor Mukkadam, a 27-year old Pakistani woman was brutally raped, tortured, and beheaded in Islamabad. The murder of Noor Mukkadam highlighted the issue of gender-based killings and brought to people's attention the improvement of laws in the country. This case received widespread attention all across Pakistan triggering protests for women's rights/domestic violence and pressing the court to take immediate action. 

In 1991, Samia Sarwar, a 28-year old Pakistani woman was murdered by a hitman hired by her family. This was because she asked for a divorce from her abusive husband. Her family found her decision dishonorable, and found her to be a disgrace. Along with femicide, this case highlights the toxic cultural and societal pressures on women. 

If we look internationally; 

In 2-21, Sarah Evered a 33-year old woman living in London was abducted, raped, and murdered by a police officer. Her case highlighted abuse of power within the law and sparked important discussions on women's freedom. 

In January of 2024, Rita Waeni, a 20-year old Kenyan university student was brutally murdered and dismembered. Her remains were found in trash bags. Her case sparked a wide range of protests around the country. Her case shows the global nature of the femicide crisis. 

A multi-pronged strategy is required to prevent femicide, including strengthening legal protections, improving community support, and promoting change in society. Strong laws that enforce the prohibition of gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable are the first steps toward effective prevention. Giving survivors complete support, including access to safe shelters, legal aid, and counseling, is equally crucial. To alter society's beliefs and remove harmful traditions that support violence against women, education and awareness efforts are essential. A culture of safety and respect can also be established by giving communities the voice and support they need to speak out against violence. Together, we can address these issues to reduce femicide and defend the rights of women all around the world.