UN Women Highlighted Data Gaps in Femicide Prevention
New findings underscore the systemic challenges in tracking gender-based violence across Southern Africa.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Women’s Issues
UN Women has warned that persistent data gaps and a lack of investment are hindering critical femicide prevention efforts. This warning coincides with an ongoing investigation into the discovery of nine women's bodies in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
Why it matters
The lack of reliable data complicates global efforts to curb violence against women, where one person is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes. Addressing these reporting deficits is viewed as a vital step toward reversing a global trend that saw 50,000 such deaths in 2024.
South Africa currently reports a femicide rate five times the global average, with an estimated three killings per 100,000 women and girls across Africa. Nationwide, SAPS recorded 569 female murder victims between April and June 2026.
The players
UN Women
This is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide.
South African Police Service (SAPS)
This is the national police force of South Africa responsible for investigating criminal activity and maintaining public order.
The details
South African police are currently working to determine if there are direct links between the nine bodies discovered in the Ekurhuleni region since July. UN Women attributes the ongoing crisis to systemic issues including harmful social norms, rising digital violence, and insufficient funding for protection programs.
Timeline
50,000 women and girls were killed globally by family or partners in 2024.
South Africa declared femicide a national disaster in November 2025.
SAPS recorded 5,181 total murders between January and March 2026.
SAPS recorded 569 female murder victims between April and June 2026.
A ninth body was recovered in Dawn Park on September 17, 2026.
Culture Shift
The report highlights the struggle to move beyond the November 2025 classification of femicide as a national disaster in South Africa. This shift reflects a broader global movement to prioritize gender-based violence as a public safety emergency rather than a private domestic concern.
Residents in the Ekurhuleni area may see increased police activity and heightened security measures as investigators probe the recent discovery of nine bodies. These events serve as a stark reminder of the practical dangers facing women in regions where gender-based violence remains prevalent.
The takeaway
Reliable data is the foundation of any effective policy meant to protect women and girls from lethal violence. Communities and governments must prioritize investment in transparent reporting to ensure that specific interventions can effectively save lives.
Further reading
For more context on international initiatives regarding female safety, visit the Women’s Issues section.
