Raíces del feminicidio en Colombia: historia, cifras y políticas publicas

Abstract

This work analyzes femicide as the most extreme expression of gender-based violence, considering it one of the gravest violations of human rights in Colombia and Latin America. From a legal, social, and intersectional perspective, it aims to understand femicide not as an individual act but as a structural phenomenon reflecting deep gender inequalities sustained by a patriarchal culture and the inefficiency of the State. The concept is based on the work developed by anthropologist Marcela Lagarde, who defines femicide as a set of hate crimes against women motivated by gender and characterized by state impunity. Legally, the study highlights the enactment of Law 1761 of 2015 in Colombia, known as the Rosa Elvira Cely Law, which classifies femicide as an autonomous crime. More recently, Law 2356 of 2024 has tightened penalties and eliminated legal benefits for femicides. Regarding causes, the thesis identifies multiple interrelated factors such as the persistence of machismo, the normalization of violence in family and social environments, judicial impunity, and economic inequality, which makes many women dependent on their aggressors. It also examines the impact of armed conflict, which increases the vulnerability of women. The analysis includes a review of concerning statistics from the Gender Equality Observatory of Cepal for 2024 and 2022. Ultimately, the research concludes that femicide cannot be addressed solely through criminal law.