Just as the word explains itself, femicide is the killing of women for reasons other than their gender and is a widespread problem that plagues communities all over the world. These women are mostly targeted by their own families, partners and strangers and we are left to wonder if women will one day see a respite from this issue.
Underreporting and different definitions of what can be classified as femicide make it difficult to get accurate figures on femicide in Nigeria. This crime has continuously been a serious issue in the country and to address this issue, we created a monthly repository to document cases of femicide globally. We did this for one year (July 2023 – June 2024) and the statistics showed that we have a femicide problem on our hands which must be curbed in our societies.
This report will serve as a vital data repository, that helps create awareness on the extent of this societal issue. It underscores the urgency for comprehensive measures to combat this pervasive problem, pushing for increased awareness, intervention, and support for victims.
Our figures are obtained from meticulous Google searches with targeted keywords to gather verified information from news outlets, human rights groups, and trusted media. The numbers do not represent all femicide cases globally. However, they do illustrate the harsh realities that women encounter and the problems related to femicide. The numbers in our report show important statistics and urge the world to come together to protect those most at risk.
The question remains: When do women cease being victims of gender-based violence, regardless of age? Can they find justice even in the grave? Why do their perpetrators roam freely, unaccountable for their heinous actions even when evidence has been presented?
Ingrained patriarchal norms and inequality especially in a country like Nigeria contribute to the increasing rates of femicide worldwide. The United Nations grimly acknowledges that we are far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) (on female equality and empowerment) as we approach the halfway mark in the race to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2018, one in every seven women (13 per cent of women aged 15 to 49) reported experiencing physical and sexual violence from an intimate partner or husband in the preceding 12 months.
In October, we found twelve cases of femicide reported in the country. These incidents were reported in Delta, Gombe, Jigawa, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun (3), Ondo (3) and Osun. Non-intimate partner violence was the highest reported case (58.3%) followed by intimate partner violence (25%) and domestic violence (16.7%). Intimate partner violence affected women aged 23-25 and non-intimate partner violence and domestic violence affected women and girls aged 18-65.
Akinsanya Habibat, Abigail Dina and Mary Ogunyemi were reportedly kidnapped and strangled to death by Ogunnaike Philip a serial kidnapper in Ogun state.
An unidentified woman was found dead by the roadside in a suspected ritual killing in Osogbo, Osun State.
Olajumoke was killed and burned to death by her husband Motunrayo Olaniyi in Lagos after he accused her of cheating. She was pregnant at the time of her death
Linda was hacked to death by her husband Sunday Emmanuel in Ondo, injuring their three-year-old son in the process.
Precious Yusuf was killed after going to meet her supposed boyfriend she met on a dating app in Delta State. The man hasn’t been found or identified by the police.
Femicide in Nigeria is a serious issue that has to be addressed right away. We must create a culture where women are secure and valued by comprehending its underlying causes, realising its terrible impact, and implementing efficient prevention tactics. One of the most important things that can be done to promote awareness and encourage change is to keep reporting on occurrences of femicide, as demonstrated by our most recent report.
We must continue to speak up against femicide and ensure that our outrage translates to actions and implementation of policies that promote the safety of women all over the world.
