Femicide Emergency: The Voices of Women Wounded by Injustice

Femicide is not merely an ordinary murder; it is a gender-based killing where women become targets due to their identity and position in society.

Understanding Femicide

Femicide reflects various forms of violence, including direct, structural, and cultural violence. The power imbalances that underlie femicide distinguish between public and private roles, as well as between productive and reproductive duties. Women as objects of oppression under male dominance represents an issue that needs deeper exploration. It arises from power relations that tend to allow men to control women, a notion legitimized by a patriarchal society, creating a reinforcing cycle in which direct violence manifests as rape, intimidation, and oppression, institutionalized structural violence, and cultural violence internalizing these relationships.

Femicide is usually triggered by multiple motives include jealousy, attacks on masculinity, avoidance of responsibility, sexual violence, and rejection of divorce or relationship termination. These motives reflect superiority, domination, hegemony, aggression, and misogyny toward women, highlighting the power imbalance the two genders.

Indonesia’s Femicide Emergency

The issue of femicide in Indonesia still receives minimal attention and is often perceived as a simple case of ordinary murder. Data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women reveals troubling trends: in 2020, there were 95 cases of femicide, 237 in 2021, 307 in 2022, and 159 as of April 2023.

In Indonesia, femicide remains an underappreciated issue, with most cases occurring within domestic contexts. This indicates a lack of safe spaces for women, even in personal settings. Public understanding of the urgency of monitoring and resolving femicide cases should be prioritized, especially as the data from the National Commission showing an increase in cases each year. Efforts to reduce femicide cannot rest on one party they must involve the government, law enforcement, students, and society at large. An initial step is to enhance awareness about the urgency of addressing violence against women to build a fair and friendly environment for all genders.

The Rise Rising of Women Voices

Amid this emergency, the voices of affected women begin to rise. Many are courageous enough to share their stories of violence and have become change agents, urging society to be more sensitive and responsive to the issue. Through various campaigns, seminars, and social movements, women are striving to change stigmas and encouraging the government and society to take action.

One inspiring example is the #MeToo movement, which has been spread worldwide, including in Indonesia. This movement has opened avenues for women to discuss their physical and verbal violence. By sharing their stories, women not only gain support but also raise awareness within the wider community.

A Collective Responsibility

Society, the government, and various non-governmental organizations must collaborate to create a safe environment for women. This includes stricter law enforcement, education on gender equality, and targeted anti-violence campaigns.

The femicide emergency in Indonesia is a call to action. It is not merely a women’s issue, a humanitarian concern that requires attention and action from all sectors of society. The voices of wounded women must be heard and valued, translating into concrete actions for change. It is time for us all to unite against femicide and ensure that every woman has the right to live in safety and justice.