Following nationwide protests, South Africa has declared violence against women a national disaster. Organized by Women for Change, the protests, titled “G20 Women’s Shutdown,” saw hundreds demonstrating against gender-based violence across various locations. This decision was made after a reassessment by the National Disaster Management Centre, allowing government departments to implement measures to combat the crisis. The classification comes after a month-long campaign, including an online petition with over a million signatures and significant social media engagement, marking a victory for women’s rights groups.
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Italy’s parliament recently passed a law introducing femicide as a crime, punishable by life in prison. This new legislation, backed by the government, seeks to address the rising violence against women, including measures against stalking and revenge porn, and passed with bipartisan support. The law was prompted by numerous cases of violence and murders targeting women, notably the 2023 killing of a university student that fueled public outcry. While welcomed, the opposition emphasized the need to address economic and cultural factors alongside criminal justice reforms.
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Italy’s parliament has passed a law introducing femicide into criminal law, mandating life imprisonment for the crime, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The law, supported by both the center-right government and center-left opposition, aims to address a surge in violence targeting women and includes enhanced measures against gender-based crimes. Public outcry over high-profile cases, such as the murder of Giulia Cecchettin, spurred the law’s passage, although opposition parties emphasize the need to address economic and cultural issues. The current debate now focuses on including sexual and emotional education in schools as a method of prevention, despite a government-proposed ban on the subject.
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The brutal torture and murder of three young women in Argentina, live-streamed on social media, has sparked outrage and widespread protests. Authorities discovered the victims’ bodies buried in a Buenos Aires suburb, after they were allegedly targeted by a drug gang following a dispute over stolen drugs. Six individuals have been arrested, with investigations ongoing to locate additional suspects and determine the precise motive. Feminist organizations have highlighted these killings as another example of Argentina’s pervasive issue with gender-based violence, as demonstrated by the 164 femicides recorded in the first eight months of 2025.
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French authorities arrested an 18-year-old male in Saint-Etienne, suspected of plotting attacks on women. The suspect, who identified as an “incel,” was apprehended with two knives and has been charged with terrorist conspiracy. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT) is investigating the case, marking a significant step in recognizing gender-based violence as a form of terrorism. This marks the first time the PNAT has investigated an individual exclusively identifying as “incel,” with his case highlighting the influence of misogynistic content on social media.
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The murder of 22-year-old Colombian model and influencer Maria Jose Estupinan, shot in her home by a suspect disguised as a delivery man, has sparked outrage and comparisons to the recent killing of a Mexican influencer. Estupinan, a domestic violence survivor, was about to receive compensation for the abuse before her death. The incident underscores the alarmingly high rates of femicide in Latin America and the significant challenges faced by victims in seeking justice. The Colombian National Gender Commission is investigating, alongside authorities working on similar cases, highlighting the widespread gender-based violence throughout the country.
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Italy’s government approved a draft law introducing “femicide” as a specific offense, punishable by life imprisonment. This follows significant public outcry, particularly after the 2023 murder of Giulia Cecchettin, and aims to address the nation’s pervasive problem of violence against women. The legislation enhances penalties for related crimes such as stalking, sexual violence, and revenge porn. Prime Minister Meloni stated the law introduces harsher sentencing for such abuse.
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International Women’s Day saw widespread protests across the globe, with women demanding an end to gender-based violence and inequality. Demonstrations ranged from rallies in Istanbul, where participants challenged the government’s “Year of the Family” initiative, to marches in European capitals advocating for equal pay and access to healthcare. Protests also highlighted specific issues like restrictive abortion laws (Poland) and high rates of femicide (South America). The global demonstrations underscored the continued struggle for women’s rights and equality, facing pushback from both governmental policies and societal norms.
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Ukrainian female prisoners of war are enduring horrific ordeals at the hands of Russian troops, suffering systematic torture and brutal humiliation. Accounts from survivors paint a harrowing picture of abuse that goes far beyond the battlefield, revealing a deliberate campaign to degrade and dehumanize these women. The sheer cruelty of forcing them to walk naked through the snow, exposed to the elements and the leering eyes of their captors, is shocking. This act alone represents a profound violation of basic human rights and international laws of war.
The systematic nature of this abuse is deeply disturbing. It’s not just isolated incidents of cruelty; these women describe a pattern of deliberate degradation, designed to inflict maximum psychological damage.… Continue reading
Germany’s first-ever report on gender-specific crimes reveals a stark reality: approximately 360 women were killed by men in 2023, with partner/ex-partner violence being a significant factor. This equates to nearly a daily femicide, a crisis underscored by insufficient resources and a lack of comprehensive legal protection for victims. The ongoing absence of a dedicated anti-domestic violence law, despite government pledges, hinders effective prevention and support, leaving women vulnerable and shelters severely underfunded. Activists and government officials alike are urging immediate action to address this urgent issue and enhance victim protection.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood