140 women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members everyday – UN report

A Femicide report by the United Nations showed that 51,100 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or other family members in 2023, as compared to 48,800 victims in 2022. 

The report released on Monday showed that 140 women and girls worldwide lost their lives every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative. Every 10 minutes, a woman or girl was killed. 

As the world begins 16 Days of Activism on November 25, Africa has been found to be having the highest number of femicide, with 2.9 victims per 100,000 population in 2023. This is despite most countries lacking sufficient data on femicide cases. 

The report further found that men were victims of most cases of homicide. However, while 11.8% of men are killed by intimate partners or family members, 60.2% of women are affected. 

“While the vast majority of male homicides occur outside the domestic sphere, the home is the most dangerous place for women and girls,” the report by UNODC and UN Women states. 

UNODC-UN Women note lack of sufficient data on femicides, with a scarcity of the information being reported in 2023. 

“Data produced by academic research or civil society organisations are sometimes used to overcome data gaps but these complementary data sources have no impact on the decreasing trend,” the UN bodies say. 

Femicide in Kenya 

Kenya has recently recorded alarming cases of femicides, leading to public uproar. 

To mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism private citizens and human rights defenders have planned a protest on Monday to call for action against killing of women and girls. 

According to the National Police Service (NPS), 97 femicide cases were reported in the last three months alone. 

On November 20, President William Ruto reiterated the government's commitment to supporting policies that will put an end to the vice. 

The Head of State committed Ksh.100 million towards the establishment of Safe Homes, and a Safe Space Campaign to end femicide cases across the country.

"Matters psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women's right advisor, we are launching a safe home safe space campaign during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that will start on November 25, 2024," he remarked.