A new report by StopFemicideIran (SFI) has shed light on a disturbing escalation in gender-based violence in Iran, documenting a significant rise in the number of women and girls killed across the country in 2024. Founded in 2020 by the ARAM organization in the wake of 14-year-old Romina Ashrafi’s widely publicized killing, SFI has become a critical voice in exposing the hidden epidemic of femicide in Iran.
The 2024 report, previewed ahead of its full release, paints a grim picture: 172 cases of femicide were recorded this year—a 16% increase from 2023. This figure means, on average, a woman or girl was killed every other day. The report also includes data on 31 state-sponsored executions of women and eight additional murders during robberies, bringing the total number of women and girls killed to 211. Of those, 172 are classified specifically as femicides, defined as the gender-motivated killing of women.
One of the most haunting revelations from the report is the age range of the victims, which illustrates the indiscriminate nature of the violence. Victims ranged from a two-month-old infant to an 86-year-old woman. Over one-third were young women aged 15 to 35, a demographic particularly vulnerable to intimate partner and domestic violence.
Many victims’ identities remain unknown—either unreported by authorities or hidden from the public—underscoring a culture of silence and impunity that continues to shield perpetrators and obscure the scale of the crisis.
The report offers chilling insights into the brutality of these killings. Many of the women were stabbed, strangled, or shot. In some cases, perpetrators used multiple violent methods, reflecting not only lethal intent but extreme cruelty. These acts often occurred within the confines of the home, committed by intimate partners or close family members—a recurring and tragic pattern that reflects deep-rooted norms of patriarchy and control.
Moreover, 14 children were directly killed in some of these incidents, and many others were left traumatized after witnessing the murders of their mothers. The intergenerational impact of femicide is a growing concern, as children are not only victims of violence themselves but are also left orphaned or psychologically scarred.
StopFemicideIran's work extends beyond statistics. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence by documenting femicide cases, educating the public and activists, and empowering grassroots organizations to demand systemic change. The organization works to raise awareness within Iran and across the international community, pushing for policies that will better protect women and ensure accountability for their killers.
Despite advocacy efforts from the human rights community and increased global awareness surrounding gender-based violence, Iran lacks comprehensive legislation that addresses domestic violence and femicide specifically. In many cases, legal and societal norms enable or even excuse perpetrators—particularly in so-called "honor killings" where family members may receive reduced sentences or face minimal consequences.
SFI hopes that by shedding light on these atrocities, it can spur both national and international pressure for legal reforms and better protective mechanisms for women at risk.
The 2024 report is not just a collection of statistics—it is a call to action. Each number represents a life lost, a family shattered, and a society failing to protect its most vulnerable members. The urgency is clear: without serious reform and a collective effort to combat gender-based violence, the cycle of femicide in Iran will only continue. For that to happen, the country needs a fundamental overhaul of its justice system and an acknowledgment of equality between all men and women.
