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Femicide in UK and Zimbabwe!

Writer's picture: Nikita SoniNikita Soni

Every three days in the UK, a woman is murdered by a man. In Zimbabwe, one in three women has experienced some form of gender-based violence. These are not just numbers—they are lives cut short, families shattered, and futures erased. Globally, femicide—the gender-motivated killing of women—has become a chilling epidemic. It is a reflection of deep-seated misogyny and systemic failure. As the world steps into 2025, the fight against femicide in the UK and Zimbabwe demands urgency and unrelenting activism.



The Reality of Femicide in the UK

The UK may pride itself on progressive values, but the reality for women tells another story. The Femicide Census reveals that over 125 women were killed by men in 2024.

1. Patterns of Violence

Most victims knew their killers. Partners or ex-partners accounted for 62% of these murders, often following patterns of coercive control and abuse.

2. Systemic Failures

Despite increased awareness, legal systems continue to fail women. Many perpetrators had histories of abuse that were ignored. In numerous cases, victims sought help but found the support systems inadequate.

3. The Role of Activism

Campaigns like Counting Dead Women by the Femicide Census have highlighted the grim reality of femicide in the UK. They call for better law enforcement, improved support services for survivors, and societal shifts in attitudes toward violence against women.



Femicide in Zimbabwe: A Persistent Tragedy

In Zimbabwe, femicide is inextricably linked to entrenched patriarchal norms, economic disparity, and a lack of robust legal protections. The statistics paint a dire picture: according to a 2024 report by UN Women, 38% of women in Zimbabwe experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

1. Customary Laws and Gender Inequality

Customary practices often subjugate women, enabling a culture where violence is normalized. Women in rural areas, in particular, face greater barriers to justice due to limited access to legal resources.

2. Economic Dependency

Economic inequality perpetuates cycles of violence. With fewer opportunities for financial independence, many women are trapped in abusive relationships, unable to escape or seek help.

3. Lack of Data and Advocacy

Unlike the UK, where organizations like the Femicide Census work to compile and publicize data, Zimbabwe lacks comprehensive research on femicide. This absence of data perpetuates ignorance and inaction.



The Common Threads Between Femicide in UK and Zimbabwe!

Though worlds apart, femicide in the UK and Zimbabwe shares commonalities:

  • Misogyny: At its core, femicide stems from deep-seated gender inequality and the devaluation of women’s lives.

  • Systemic Failures: From the justice system to social services, institutions in both countries fail to adequately protect women.

  • Cultural Silence: The stigma surrounding gender-based violence prevents many survivors from speaking out or seeking justice.



Why 2025 Must Be a Year of Change This is no time for passive hope. We need outrage. We need action.

1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks

Both the UK and Zimbabwe need stricter laws and enforcement to address gender-based violence. This includes holding law enforcement accountable for failures in protecting victims and prosecuting perpetrators.

2. Invest in Support Services

Shelters, hotlines, and mental health support for survivors must become a priority. Zimbabwe, in particular, needs international support to fund these essential services.

3. Shift Societal Attitudes

Education campaigns in schools, workplaces, and communities are vital to dismantling the normalization of violence against women.

4. Amplify Activism

Campaigns like Counting Dead Women in the UK and grassroots movements in Zimbabwe must be supported and expanded. These efforts bring visibility to the issue and push for systemic change.



A Call to Action: Stand With Women

Organizations like Bertha’s Legacy are at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence. Their mission is clear: to amplify the voices of survivors, advocate for systemic change, and build a world where women are safe.

Take Action Today: Join us as a volunteer or become a donor. Your support can help us protect women and challenge the systems that enable violence.



Conclusion: Beyond Awareness, Toward Action

Every statistic on femicide is a life lost—a woman who deserved safety, respect, and love. The crisis of femicide in the UK and Zimbabwe isn’t just about numbers; it’s about systemic misogyny that endangers half the world’s population.

As we move into 2025, So, what will it take for you to care? Another headline? Another statistic? Or will you stand up now—before another woman’s name is added to the growing list of lives stolen by violence?

The time for complacency is over. The time for action is now. Let’s stand united in the fight against femicide in the UK, Zimbabwe, and across the globe.

Join the movement today. Together, we can turn awareness into action and create a safer world for women everywhere.



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