Femicide Rates in Iran Soar by 60% in Two Years, Report Reveals
A shocking report has revealed that femicide rates in Iran have skyrocketed by 60% over the past two years, sparking widespread concern and outrage among human rights activists and advocates for women’s rights.
According to the report, which was released by the Iranian Women’s Studies Foundation, a total of 2,400 women were murdered by their husbands, fathers, brothers, or other male relatives in 2020 alone. This represents a staggering 60% increase from the 1,500 femicides reported in 2018.
The report highlights the alarming rise in violence against women in Iran, which has long been plagued by patriarchal attitudes and discriminatory laws that perpetuate gender inequality. The country’s strict Islamic laws, which govern family and personal relationships, often leave women with limited recourse to seek protection from abusive partners or relatives.
The report also notes that the majority of femicides in Iran are committed by men who are known to the victims, often in the context of domestic violence or family disputes. Many of the victims are young women, often in their early twenties, who are still living with their families and are subject to patriarchal control.
The rise in femicide rates in Iran is a grim reflection of the country’s failure to address the root causes of gender-based violence. Despite the government’s efforts to promote women’s rights and equality, the country’s laws and social norms continue to perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
"The increase in femicide rates in Iran is a devastating reminder of the country’s failure to protect its women and girls from violence," said Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent Iranian human rights lawyer. "The government must take immediate action to address the root causes of gender-based violence and ensure that women have access to justice and protection."
The report’s findings have sparked widespread outrage and calls for action from human rights activists and advocates for women’s rights. Many are calling on the Iranian government to take immediate action to address the crisis, including strengthening laws and policies to prevent gender-based violence and providing support services to victims.
The Iranian government has yet to comment on the report’s findings, but human rights groups are urging the international community to pressure the government to take action to address the crisis.
In the meantime, the report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gender-based violence on women and girls in Iran. As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, the alarming rise in femicide rates in Iran serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and equality in the country.