Thursday, September 16, 2010

Introduction: Blog Post#1           September 16th, 2010


Femicide refers to the intentional killing of women and girls.  Violence against women is a worldwide problem that denies them of their dignity, equality, development, and peace.  The violence against women both violates the freedom of women of their human rights and fundamental freedom.   

Femicide occurs throughout the world and includes Iran, Afghanistan, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Congo. While the crime rate have generally been on the rise in these countries in recent years, the murder rate of women has gone up at a rate almost twice as much as men.  Women are being violently murdered often-following rape and sexual mutilation.   

These countries contain a culture that devalues and discriminates against women.  Many of these women and their families have given up on authorities for protection, and have fled their homes to the United States or other countries for refuge.  Over the years, authorities alleged negligence and poor handling of the investigations has left most cases of murdered women unresolved and casts a serious doubt on the few convictions.  The use of allege torture to fabricate culprits indicate that authorities in these countries use tainted evidence, rather than properly investigating the murders.  Although many of these countries have ratified international treaties and have domestic legislation on torture, reports have shown that these practices of injustices against innocent persons have played a key role in the criminal justice system and is the basis of numerous unfair convictions.  

Hundreds of women and their families will continue to see femicide occur unless authorities and the criminal justice system seriously investigate and punish the individuals who are responsible for disappearances, tortures, and murders.  The unfairness and elimination of torture as an investigatory tool should also be abolished in all countries.

Femicide is an important and problematic issue that should be mentioned more often by the media and the public.  Women should have the same opportunity as men, and should not live in fear.  It is important to be aware that many women in other countries do not have the rights or freedoms that women have in the United States. I hope that in this blog I can bring knowledge and awareness to this problematic and complicated issue.