The phenomenon of femicide is a global tragedy that requires urgent and concerted action to end it. Every day, women and girls lose their lives at the hands of their intimate partners or family members. Recent statistics released by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality highlight the magnitude of this scourge, with 85,000 women and girls intentionally killed worldwide in 2023. Of these crimes, 60% are committed by intimate partners, resulting in 51,000 lives needlessly lost.
Africa tops the list for the highest rates of femicide committed by an intimate partner or close relative, followed by the Americas and Oceania. In Europe and the Americas, the majority of women killed in domestic settings were victims of their intimate partners, while in other regions, other family members are the main perpetrators.
The need for immediate and coordinated action is imperative to combat violence against women. Measures such as strong legislation, improved data collection, greater government accountability and a culture of zero tolerance are essential to ending this scourge. It is also crucial to provide increased financial resources to women’s rights organizations to strengthen their work and impact.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where domestic violence remains a serious issue, specific legislation to address this issue is essential. The actions taken by NGOs and local activists are commendable, but until a clear and precise law is in place, it will be difficult to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, initiatives such as the “Voices of the Displaced” campaign launched by Kinshasa News Lab are crucial to give a voice to vulnerable women and girls living in displacement camps. It is essential to listen to and take into account their testimonies in order to develop policies and concrete actions to protect them and put an end to the violence they suffer.
In conclusion, the fight against femicide and violence against women is a fight that concerns the whole of society. It is time to unite, take concrete measures and make the voices of victims heard to build a future where everyone, regardless of their gender, can live in safety and dignity.