Why is it in the news?
- Global Research Brief on gender-related killings of Women and Girls (Femicide/Feminicide) was released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women.
- Focuses on intentional killings committed on the grounds of gender-related factors affecting women and girls.
| Gender-Related Killings
· Involves intentional killings based on factors like men’s entitlement, social norms on masculinity, and the need to assert male control or power. |
Major Findings
- In 2022, nearly 89,000 women and girls globally intentionally killed, marking the highest number in the past two decades.
- Female homicides not decreasing despite a global decrease in overall homicides.
- Family-Related Homicide: In 2022, around 48,800 women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members. Females represent 53% of all killings in homes and 66% of intimate partner killings. Only 12% of male homicide victims killed by persons known to them.
- Regional Estimates: Africa, with around 20,000 victims in 2022, surpasses Asia for the first time since 2013 in terms of absolute numbers.
- Indian Scenario: Small decline in gender-based killings in India over the past decade; and Persistence of killings related to dowry, accusations of witchcraft, and other gender-related factors.
UN Recommendations for Action Against Femicide
- Promote changes in harmful social norms through educational programs.
- Implement women’s safety audits for urban environments.
- Encourage reporting and early detection of violence.
- Ensure equal protection and access to justice for women.
- Provide victims with prompt and accurate information about their rights.
- Allocate adequate resources for victims’ rights.
| Femicide or feminicide
· Femicide or feminicide is the intentional killing of women or girls solely based on their gender. · Rooted in deeply ingrained societal attitudes, femicide is a gender-based crime that highlights discrimination against women. · Unlike general homicide, femicide specifically targets individuals due to their gender, highlighting a systemic issue. · Perpetrators often include partners, family members, or individuals motivated by misogyny, gender-based violence, or cultural beliefs that devalue women. · Femicide transcends borders and is a global concern, necessitating comprehensive efforts to address gender-based violence and promote equality. |
Violence Against Women in India
- Complex issue with historical, cultural, and socio-economic roots.
- Includes domestic violence, sexual violence, female infanticide, dowry system, honour killings, and gender inequality.
Steps Taken by Government of India Against Femicide
| Legislation/Initiative | Year | Purpose/Description |
| Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 | 2005 | Addresses domestic violence, providing legal protection. |
| Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 | 2013 | Amendments to criminal laws for enhanced women’s safety. |
| Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign | Launched in 2015 | Encourages the birth and education of the girl child. |
| Fast-track courts for expedited trials | Implementation varies by state | Aims to speed up legal proceedings in cases of violence. |
| One-Stop Centres (OSCs) for integrated support | Launched in 2015 | Provides comprehensive support services for women. |
| Women Helpline (181) and mobile apps for emergency alerts | Helpline established in 2015 | Emergency assistance and support for women in distress. |
