There are 51,000 Femicide Victims Worldwide, with the Highest Number in Africa

Data from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) shows that approximately 60.2%, or 51,100 women and girls worldwide, were killed by family members or partners in 2023.

UN Women states that the majority of these murders are gender-based killings, also known as femicide.

"An average of 140 women and girls worldwide lose their lives every day due to violence perpetrated by their partners or close relatives," UN Women wrote in its report.

According to the demographics, Africa had the highest number of women killed by family members, with 21,700 victims last year.

Asia was second with a total of 18,500 victims. The Americas recorded 8,300 victims, Europe 2,300, and Oceania 300.

The report also notes that women and girls in Africa are at a higher risk of being killed by partners or other family members.

The femicide ratio in Africa is estimated at 2.9 per 100,000 women, the highest globally.

This is followed by a ratio of 1.6 in the Americas, 1.5 in Oceania, 0.8 in Asia, and 0.6 in Europe.

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly believes that these femicide cases highlight the urgent need for a criminal justice system that ensures perpetrators are punished. Furthermore, support must be provided to survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms.

"At the same time, we must confront and dismantle gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women," Ghada said in a written statement on Monday, November 25, 2024.

UN Women defines femicide as the intentional killing of women because of their gender. This includes ideologies of male entitlement and privilege, social norms around masculinity, and the assertion of male control or power.