The recent murder of 22-year-old Colombian influencer María José Estupiñán has spotlighted the alarming global rise in femicide, the gender-based killing of women. On May 15, Estupiñán was shot at her home by a man posing as a delivery driver, just a day after a judge ruled against her ex-partner in a domestic violence case. This tragic event follows closely on the heels of the murder of 23-year-old Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was killed while livestreaming from her salon.
- Colombian influencer María José Estupiñán murdered
- Rise in femicide highlighted by recent cases
- 886 femicides recorded in Colombia in 2024
- 73% of femicides remain unsolved
- Global femicide rates show alarming trends
- Calls for cultural change against violence
These horrific incidents have sparked outrage among human rights organizations, highlighting the systemic failures in preventing violence against women in Latin America. “Colombia is facing a pandemic of femicides—every 28 hours, a woman is a victim,” stated Alejandra Vera, director of a feminist collective in Cúcuta. As of March 2025, Colombia recorded a staggering 207 femicides this year alone, with many cases remaining unsolved.
This crisis raises critical questions about societal attitudes toward gender-based violence. Why do so many cases go unsolved? How can communities better protect women? Consider these points:
- 73% of femicides in Colombia between 2021 and 2023 remain unresolved.
- In Mexico, around 4,000 women were killed in 2022, accounting for 12% of all homicides.
- A significant percentage of femicides are committed by intimate partners.
- Global rates of femicide are highest in Africa and the Americas.
As we reflect on these tragedies, it is imperative for communities and governments worldwide to take decisive action against gender-based violence. Together, we can foster a safer environment for all women.
