The Epidemic of Femicide among Indigenous and Hispanic Communities

Written by Daniela Martinez

A serious issue that is affecting women, specifically Indigenous and Hispanic communities is “Femicide”. It is defined as the killing of women because of their gender and is a form of gender based violence

For Indigenous communities, femicide is usually linked to colonization, displacement and marginalization These women experience high rates of violence, with studies showing that they are more likely to experience femicide compared to women of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Women in indigenous communities are at an increased vulnerability because of lack of access to healthcare and resources, and lawful presence

In Hispanic communities, femicide is a widespread problem that is often overlooked due to gender stereotypes and cultural norms The patriarchal belief system that values male dominance and control over women called, “Machismo”, can lead to violence against women and ultimately, femicide Limited access to resources, fear of deportation or being shamed by family, as well as language barriers can prevent Hispanic women from seeking help or reporting abuse

More often than not, femicide within Indigenous and Hispanic communities are often underreported and overlooked by law enforcement and the judicial system The lack of recognition of this problem allows perpetrators to continue committing acts of violence against women. Every year the violence continues and gets worse. In 2022, a minimum of 4,050 women were victims of femicide in 26 counties and territories of Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the latest data that official agencies reported to the Gender Equality Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean (GEO) of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) This is equivalent to one gender-related killing of a woman every two hours in the region. Due to systemic barriers and underreporting of cases, it is likely that the actual statistics of femicide in these communities are higher than reported

It is essential for governments and organizations to address the root causes of violence against women As a community, we have a big impact on what changes we can make to impact others lives, especially those of women and marginalized groups.

To combat femicide in Hispanic and Indigenous communities, it's crucial to tailor strategies to address cultural nuances and systemic challenges This includes:

Raising Awareness:

• Conduct culturally sensitive awareness campaigns through community leaders and media outlets.

Supporting Victims:

• Provide accessible and culturally competent support services, partnering with community-based organizations

Education and Empowerment:

• Empower women through bilingual education, vocational training, and cultural pride initiatives

Legal Reforms and Enforcement:

• Ensure legal systems are culturally competent, incorporating indigenous legal traditions and providing support throughout legal proceedings.

Addressing Root Causes:

• Tackle poverty, marginalization, and historical trauma through community-led initiatives and economic development.

Engaging Men and Boys:

• Challenge traditional gender roles and engage male leaders in promoting healthy masculinity and respectful relationships.

By implementing these tailored strategies, we can work towards preventing femicide and promoting gender equality within Hispanic and Indigenous communities.