Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive and devastating human rights violations in the world. Amongst its most severe manifestations is femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender.
Whilst femicide occurs across all cultures and continents, its growing prevalence in Iran has become particularly alarming. Deeply entrenched patriarchal values, discriminatory legal structures, and a lack of institutional protections have created an environment where violence against women is not only widespread but often goes unpunished.
The high-profile cases, such as the tragic deaths of Mahsa Amini and Nika Shakarami. They have ignited international outrage and cast a spotlight on the systemic repression and violence faced by Iranian women. However, these stories represent only the tip of the iceberg. Many cases remain unreported or hidden due to societal stigma, fear of retaliation, and inadequate legal recourse.
A Surge in Femicide in 2024
In 2024, Iran witnessed a disturbing surge in femicide, revealing an escalating pattern of gender-based killings. Between March 20 and June 21, close male relatives murdered at least 35 women and girls. They are primarily husbands, representing a 25% increase from the 28 cases recorded during the same period in 2023, and a 59% rise from 22 cases in 2022 (IranFocus, July 2024).
Over the years, statistics show that 156 femicides were documented, averaging 13 murders per month. In 92% of these cases, the perpetrator was known to the victim, with husbands responsible for half of the killings and other family members accounting for an additional 57 cases (IranFocus, July 2024).
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This disturbing trend coincides with widespread domestic abuse. According to data published by the Statistical Centre of Iran and the Iranian Forensic Medicine Organization, during the spring of 2024, 16,264 individuals sought forensic examinations due to spousal abuse, of whom 96% were women (IranFocus, November 2024). These figures underscore the systemic and gendered nature of violence against women in the country
Root Causes: A Web of Cultural, Legal, and Social Factors
Femicide in Iran is not an isolated phenomenon; it is the tragic outcome of a deeply entrenched system of structural and cultural inequalities that facilitate, excuse, and even justify violence against women. Understanding the roots of this crisis requires a critical examination of the intersecting factors that contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based violence in the country, which consists of :
1. Patriarchal Norms and Honour-Based Violence
Iranian society remains deeply patriarchal, with rigid gender roles that curtail women’s autonomy and agency. Many femicides occur under the guise of honour-based violence, where men justify the killing of women for perceived moral transgressions such as seeking a divorce, rejecting forced marriages, or defying dress codes. Some communities sometimes celebrate these acts, reinforcing a culture of impunity and control.
2. Legal Impunity and Gender-Discriminatory Laws
Iran’s legal framework fails to protect women adequately and, in many cases, enables violence. The Islamic Penal Code (IPC) grants leniency in so-called “honour killings.” Under Article 301, a father or paternal grandfather who kills his daughter or granddaughter may receive only a light sentence. Further compounding this injustice, the concept of “diya” (blood money) values a female life at half that of a male’s. These systemic legal inequalities discourage reporting and embolden perpetrators.
3. Weak Law Enforcement and Lack of Protection
Law enforcement agencies in Iran often fail to act on reports of domestic abuse. Restraining orders are rare, and domestic violence is not criminalised, leaving victims vulnerable. Police and judicial officials frequently dismiss complaints, pressure women to return home, or require male guardian consent for legal action, further trapping women in cycles of violence.
4. Social Stigma and Family Pressure
Beyond the legal system, societal norms play a significant role in silencing victims. Shame, Ostracisation, and family pressure deter women from seeking help. Families often prioritise “honour” over justice, pushing survivors toward reconciliation with abusers. This social complicity contributes to widespread underreporting and invisibility of violence.
Broader Societal Implications
The rising tide of femicide in Iran reverberates far beyond individual tragedies. Each act of gender-based killing sends shockwaves through families, communities, and the nation at large. This crisis poses deep, lasting threats to Iran’s social cohesion, mental well-being, and international reputation. Its consequences are both immediate and generational, affecting the country on multiple levels:
First, Psychological Toll: Constant exposure to gender-based violence fosters a climate of fear and trauma amongst women and girls, impacting their emotional well-being and social participation.
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Second, Erosion of Progress: Femicide undermines national efforts toward gender equality, education, and economic empowerment, hampering social development.
Third, Global Repercussions: Iran’s deteriorating human rights record invites increased international scrutiny, potentially straining diplomatic relations and foreign investments.
Path Forward: From Crisis to Reform
To combat the femicide crisis, Iran must undertake a multi-faceted and transformative approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence while ensuring systemic accountability and protection for women. Reform must go beyond reactive measures and create a society where women are safe, valued, and empowered. The following key actions are essential:
- Comprehensive Legal Reform: Laws must be revised to criminalise all forms of gender-based violence, abolish discriminatory statutes, and ensure equal protection under the law for women.
- Accountability and Enforcement: Institutions, especially the police and judiciary. It must be trained and compelled to protect victims and prosecute perpetrators effectively.
- Support Services: Establish safe shelters, legal aid, and counselling services to empower survivors and break cycles of abuse.
- Cultural Shift: Community-led education and advocacy campaigns should challenge patriarchal norms, promote gender equality, and elevate women’s voices.
- International Collaboration: Iran should engage with global human rights bodies, implement UN recommendations, and support grassroots feminist movements working for change.
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Femicide in Iran is not merely a legal or social issue, it is a profound human rights crisis that strikes at the very core of dignity, equality, and justice. Systemic failures and entrenched patriarchal violence cut short the life of each woman behind every statistic.
The persistence of this crisis reflects a society where women are still denied full protection under the law, where harmful customs override individual rights, and where fear and silence are weaponised to sustain inequality.
Until these structural and cultural barriers are dismantled, the cycle of violence will not only continue. It will deepen, claiming more lives and destroying countless others in its wake. However, change is not only necessary. It is possible.
Through the courageous efforts of women’s rights activists, the amplification of survivor voices, sustained pressure from the international community, and a commitment to genuine legal and institutional reform, a future of safety, equality, and justice can be forged.
This is not a battle to be fought in isolation. It requires global solidarity, unwavering attention, and immediate action. The time to act is not tomorrow or someday, it is now. The lives and freedoms of Iranian women depend on it.
(Editor: Nurul Nur Azizah)
