Taking Stand Against Femicides in North Carolina

Carrboro and Durham present a Proclamations to protect women

In the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights, pivotal moments arise that demand attention, action, and unwavering advocacy. Mayor Barbara Foushee, Mayor of the Town of Carrboro, in North Carolina, recently spearheaded one such moment by presenting the first proclamation against femicide in the state’s history. This historic proclamation, under the title “FEMICIDE AWARENESS,” not only marks a significant milestone for North Carolina but also underscores the urgent need to address the crisis of femicide, which disproportionately affects women.

Femicide, the deliberate killing of women because of their gender, is a grave issue that plagues societies worldwide. Shockingly, more than five women lose their lives daily in the United States alone, constituting 70% of the total deaths of women in high-income countries. The statistics are sobering, revealing the extent of the violence that women face merely because of their gender.

Despite the severity of the issue, the lack of specific legislation recognizing femicide as a distinct crime from homicide in the United States poses a significant barrier to addressing and preventing these tragic deaths. This legislative gap not only hampers efforts to bring perpetrators to justice but also impedes accurate data collection and research crucial for understanding and combating femicide effectively.

North Carolina, unfortunately, has not been immune to the scourge of femicide. In 2020, the state ranked sixth highest in the number of homicides of women by men among all US states. Tragic cases like that of Liliana Concha serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for legislative action to provide justice for victims and their families, facilitate accurate data collection, and serve as a deterrent against such heinous crimes.

Femicide Awareness proclamation represents a significant step forward in the fight against femicide in North Carolina. By formally acknowledging the crisis and advocating for awareness, prevention, and justice, Mayor Foushee sends a powerful message that the Town of Carrboro stands in solidarity with victims of femicide and is committed to taking concrete steps to address this urgent issue.

However, the proclamation is just the beginning. It serves as a call to action for lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and individuals across North Carolina to prioritize the eradication of femicide and the protection of women’s lives. Legislative reforms, comprehensive support services for victims, education and awareness campaigns, and the promotion of gender equality are all essential components of a multifaceted approach to combating femicide effectively.

In the face of such pervasive violence, Mayor Barbara Foushee’s leadership reminds us that change is possible when individuals and communities come together to confront injustice head-on. Through collective action and unwavering determination, we can create a future where every woman can live free from the fear of femicide and violence, and where justice and equality prevail for all.

Durham joins the effort to make femicides visible and protect women in the state.

El Centro Hispano, along with a coalition of over twenty organizations and leaders, extends gratitude to Mayor Leonardo Williams of City of Durham, NC Government for signing the Women’s Day proclamation. 

This proclamation acknowledges the critical need to classify femicide as a distinct crime, ensuring accountability for perpetrators. 

Special thanks are also due to Council Member Javiera Caballero ,a member-at-large of the Durham City Council, for presenting the proclamation, as well as to Gloria de los Santos, former chief of the Council for Women, and Kershemia Ramírez, current chief of the Council for Women, who spearheaded the proclamation’s submission and advocacy efforts to protect women in North Carolina. 

We remain committed to raising awareness and combating femicide across other counties in North Carolina.