Scrap of Widespread Violence Report: UN Flagged Global Gender-Based Killings Every 10 Minutes

A recent global assessment on gender-based violence has delivered an alarming wake-up call: one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes worldwide, primarily as a result of gender-based violence. The figure, highlighted in a report referenced by UN-backed agencies, underscores the persistent and pervasive nature of violence faced by women across societies and regions. Such killings include intimate partner violence, family-related murders, and broader forms of femicide rooted in discrimination and structural inequality.

The report reflects deep systemic failures. Despite global advocacy, most countries continue to grapple with weak legal frameworks, under-reporting, slow investigation processes, and social norms that normalise violence or discourage survivors from seeking help. The lack of reliable data in many regions further masks the true scale of the crisis. Gender-based killings represent not just criminal failures but multi-dimensional societal gaps in education, economic empowerment, policing, and judicial responsiveness.

For India, the findings act as a strong reminder of the challenges that remain. While legal reforms such as stricter penalties, fast-track courts, and initiatives like Nirbhaya Fund have strengthened the framework, implementation gaps persist. Deep-seated patriarchy, unsafe public spaces, and ineffective local enforcement continue to contribute to violence against women. Strengthening gender-justice institutions — from police training to community awareness — remains vital.

The report also stresses the need for holistic solutions: preventive measures, gender-sensitive education, empowerment programmes, accessible support systems for survivors, and coordinated international action. For policymakers, it is a call to prioritise gender safety across sectors, and for civil society, a reminder to push for cultural transformation.