THIS FEMICIDE MUST STOP!

The chilling reality of femicide – that a woman is murdered by an intimate partner or family member – has reached alarming levels, with six women killed in just 30 days, all at the hands of men who were supposed to love and protect them. In these dark times, it becomes increasingly difficult to take pride in being a man. This violence must end now. As voices across the nation grow louder, demanding recognition of this crisis as a national disaster, we must ask ourselves: Do we truly understand the implications of such a declaration? Will it adequately address the systemic issues and individual behaviours that perpetuate this violence?

Ignore

The answers remain elusive, but what is clear is that we cannot afford to ignore the root causes that fuel this epidemic. It is essential to recognise that the harsh realities of unemployment, poverty, and a rising cost of living contribute to a climate of frustration and hopelessness. This environment breeds violence and fosters a culture that allows such atrocities to occur. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, primarily from an intimate partner. This statistic is not just a number; it represents the lived experiences of countless women who suffer in silence. In response, the government has initiated a national strategy to combat gender-based violence (GBV) from 2023 to 2027.

Yet, with three years remaining, the current trajectory suggests we are far from achieving any meaningful change. The reality is stark: we continue to bury victims of GBV at an alarming rate. To turn the tide, we must confront the interconnected issues of gender inequality, economic disparity and substance abuse that exacerbate domestic violence and femicide. Research shows that patriarchal norms, financial dependence, and ineffective legal systems leave women vulnerable to abuse and restrict their rights and opportunities.

Plan

We commend the organisations tirelessly working to fight this scourge, but it is clear that a comprehensive and actionable plan is urgently needed to safeguard the lives of our sisters, mothers, and daughters. The SODV Act of 2018 has faced criticism for its failure to achieve its intended goals due to unoperationalised provisions, such as the establishment of a sexual offenders register and specialised domestic violence courts.

Moreover, the act’s aim to criminalise the failure to report abuse is yet to be realised, allowing families to suffer in silence until it is too late. We must also question the preparedness of our law enforcement agencies to tackle this rampant crime effectively. Are police officers adequately trained to handle cases of gender-based abuse? Recent events, including the tragic death of an officer known to be experiencing domestic violence, highlight the urgent need for better training and a more compassionate approach to victims reporting abuse. It is unacceptable that victims often face reluctance when seeking help from law enforcement due to inadequate treatment and support.

Alcohol abuse is another significant factor contributing to GBV. The proliferation of bars and drinking establishments around the country raises concerns about the consequences of excessive drinking on domestic violence. Stricter regulations on alcohol sales and consumption, especially in high-crime areas, are essential to mitigating this issue.

Services

Furthermore, we must urgently address the lack of shelters, safe houses and accessible legal assistance for victims. Services that are well-publicised and easily reachable are crucial, yet many remain concentrated in urban areas, making them inaccessible for those in need. Legal support must also be made available to the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that every victim has the opportunity to seek justice. Every citizen has a role to play in this fight against femicide and GBV. Lawmakers must ensure that appropriate legislation is enacted and enforced, while the judiciary must hold offenders accountable.

The government must allocate the necessary resources to operationalise the SODV Act and other laws dedicated to protecting our communities, particularly women and children. In the face of this crisis, we cannot remain passive. We must act decisively, with courage and compassion, to build a future where violence against women is not only condemned but eradicated. The time for change is now—this femicide must stop!

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