We fuss over insults to men. How about some fuss about the killing of women?

The issue of gender-based violence against women, particularly the high rates of femicide or the killing of women, is a significant and pressing concern that demands our attention and action. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner. This equates to an estimated 736 million women alive today who have experienced such violence.

Femicide is a form of gender-based violence that involves the intentional killing of women because of their gender. It is a global phenomenon that affects women in all regions and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), globally, almost half of all reported murders of women are committed by an intimate partner or family member.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, for instance, the region with the highest rate of femicides in the world, an average of 13 women are killed every day. In Europe, where the rate is lower but still significant, an average of 2 women are killed every day. In the United States, an average of 12 women are killed every day by an intimate partner.

The consequences of gender-based violence and femicide are far-reaching and devastating for individuals, families, and communities. They include physical injuries, mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and increased risk of HIV infection due to sexual violence. Femicide also has significant economic costs, including lost productivity due to illness or disability, as well as the costs of providing services for survivors and their families.

It is important to note that gender-based violence and femicide are not inevitable or natural consequences of gender differences or cultural traditions. They are the result of gender inequality and discrimination, which are deeply ingrained in many societies. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, legislation, and policy changes that challenge gender stereotypes, promote gender equality, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Therefore, just as we should be concerned about insults to men, we should be equally concerned about the killing of women, which is a much more pressing issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It is important that we acknowledge and address this issue with the same level of urgency and attention that we give to other social issues. Only then can we hope to create a world where all women can live free from fear and violence.