New York: Europe and the Arabs
A new UN report revealed that 60 percent of all female homicides in the world are committed by intimate partners or other family members. It stressed that violence against women remains widespread, including in its most extreme manifestation, femicide, a global phenomenon that transcends borders, social and economic status, and age groups. According to the UN Daily News Bulletin
The report, entitled "Female Homicide in 2023: Global Estimates of Female Homicide by an Intimate Partner/Family Member," was prepared by UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The available data collected in the report showed that globally, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023. 60 percent of these murders - 51,000 - were committed by intimate partners or other family members. The report said that 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their intimate partner or close relative, meaning one woman is killed every 10 minutes. The report coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which falls on 25 November.

The report said that in 2023, Africa recorded the highest rates of women killed by intimate partners and family, followed by the Americas and Oceania.

In Europe and the Americas, most women killed in the domestic sphere (64 per cent and 58 per cent respectively) were victims of intimate partners, while elsewhere family members were the primary perpetrators.

Accountability, support and addressing bias

Violence against women and girls is preventable, said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. “We know what works. We need strong legislation, better data collection, greater government accountability, a culture of zero tolerance, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations and institutional bodies.”
She added that as we approach 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 2025, it is time for world leaders to unite, take bold action and prioritize recommitment, accountability and resources to end this crisis.

Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said that the new report on femicides highlights the urgent need for strong criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable, while ensuring adequate support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms.

She added: “At the same time, we must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women. As this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women and Girls campaign begins, we must act now to protect women’s lives.”

16 Days Campaign
Through the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women and Girls campaign, UN Women will call for renewed commitments, accountability and action from decision-makers.
The 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is being marked this year with an official commemorative event in New York on Monday that will highlight best investment practices to prevent violence against women, gaps, challenges and the way forward.