Femicide in Mexico – statistics & facts
In Mexico, femicide is the official legal term used to describe the intentional killing of women based on gender, with culprits driven by misogyny and sexism, encompassing the killings of transgender women as well. Mexico holds the distinction of being the first nation in Latin America to assign a specific legal term and classification to these gender-based murders in 2012. This recognition was prompted by the present lack of security for women and the societal pressure to enact changes that ensure their safety being the second country with the highest number of femicides in Latin America, only behind Brazil.
The murders in Ciudad Juarez in 1993 ignited visibility and exponential significance to this cause. Unfortunately, the number of women who falls victim to these acts has increased, reaching 827 cases in 2023, raising serious concern as the underaged girls' group has also been one of the primary targets. The Mexican population's repeated calls for women to return home safely, met with silence, have highlighted the Mexican government's femicide investigation failure in most cases and providing not sufficient nor effective safety measures for women.
The government has implemented programs such as territorial care and prevention units, while the women's helpline (Línea de la Mujer) has witnessed increased usage in reporting cases of domestic abuse, particularly in 2020. Despite these concerted efforts, the monthly tally of femicides and the number of female victims of gender violence in Mexico remains high. The Aztec country has a long way to go to eradicate the cultural and social aspects that permeate gender violence.
The murders in Ciudad Juarez in 1993 ignited visibility and exponential significance to this cause. Unfortunately, the number of women who falls victim to these acts has increased, reaching 827 cases in 2023, raising serious concern as the underaged girls' group has also been one of the primary targets. The Mexican population's repeated calls for women to return home safely, met with silence, have highlighted the Mexican government's femicide investigation failure in most cases and providing not sufficient nor effective safety measures for women.
Gender violence and the perpetuation of insecurity
Mexico presents a long history of gender inequality in many aspects of life, embedded in a cultural context characterized by mistreatment of women, gender abuse, and pathological possessiveness, leading to a high share of Mexicans knowing victims of domestic violence from injuries to the utter deprivation of life. Nevertheless, the degree of gender violence varies among states. Mexico State recorded the highest number of femicides in 2023, with a distressing tally of 89 cases, exacerbating the prevalent sense of insecurity among women, with an average security perception rating of less than 11 percent of females. Consequently, Mexican women have rallied together, organizing social protests and movements in their unwavering pursuit to assert their rights.Government and citizens responses
In reaction, various social movements have emerged, including the "One Day without Us" (Un Día Sin Nosotras), during which women abstained from participating in activities such as work or school. This event aimed to accentuate the significance of ensuring the safety and preservation of all women's lives. The movement gathered a strong approval among the population with half of the Mexicans agreeing with the cause. Additionally, the "Not One Less" (Ni Una Menos) protests have also taken place, driven by the collective desire to eradicate female violence and femicides.The government has implemented programs such as territorial care and prevention units, while the women's helpline (Línea de la Mujer) has witnessed increased usage in reporting cases of domestic abuse, particularly in 2020. Despite these concerted efforts, the monthly tally of femicides and the number of female victims of gender violence in Mexico remains high. The Aztec country has a long way to go to eradicate the cultural and social aspects that permeate gender violence.
