CCSI Expresses Concerns Over Growing Cases of Violence Against Women Worldwide

As the world marks the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Executive Director of the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Ms. Babafunke Fagbemi, has expressed deep concerns at growing cases of violence against women worldwide.

Ms. Fagbemi, in a statement in Abuja, said the latest figures released by the United Nations (UN) on the matter are not only depressing, but should serve as a wake-up call for concerned citizens to demand an end to violence against women and girls in the society.

According to the latest report by the UN Women and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) titled ‘Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides,’ one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or a family member. 

In 2023 alone, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed globally, and 60 per cent of these deaths — 51,000 — occurred at the hands of partners or family members.

The report further revealed that Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide in 2023, followed by the Americas and Oceania. 

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

These figures highlight the pervasive nature of femicide, the most extreme form of violence against women and girls, and underscore the urgent need for collective action. 

CCSI calls for stronger criminal justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable and for increased support for survivors, including access to safe and transparent reporting mechanisms.

Fagbemi emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, including gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms. 

She urged governments, communities and stakeholders to invest in comprehensive strategies that combine prevention, protection and accountability.

As part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, CCSI joins the global call to revitalise commitments and demand urgent action from decision makers.

With the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action approaching in 2025, this period presents a critical opportunity to channel resources towards ending violence against women and girls, she said.

CCSI urges everyone to amplify their voices using #NoExcuse and #16Days, and to take concrete steps to build a safer world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence. 

“Let us unite to prevent these tragedies and create a future of equality and justice for all,” Fagbemi said.