Introduction

Femicide, the killing of a woman or girl because of her gender, is the most extreme form of gender based violence. Worldwide, an estimated 51,100 women and girls were killed. In Cameroon, 58 cases of femicide have reportedly been recorded so far in 2026. Eight women are said to have been killed within just eight days, equivalent to one woman per day. As femicide rates continue to rise, one question remains unanswered: what could explain such brutality against women in Cameroon? It is important to clarify that femicide did not begin in Cameroon in 2026. However, these cases have received considerably more media attention and have therefore become more widely known. The causes of femicide in Cameroon can be examined at several levels.

Within the Couple

Femicide is rarely an isolated act. It is often preceded by repeated physical, psychological, and economic abuse. Perpetrators frequently use manipulation and deception to isolate victims from their families and friends. Fear of social judgment, a history of childhood abuse, the presence of children in the household, as well as emotional and financial dependence are among the many factors that can make it difficult for women to leave abusive partners.

Within the Family

In some families, social norms can reinforce the idea of excessive male authority over women. Boys may be raised according to beliefs that value male dominance, while some girls are taught to be submissive and endure difficulties within their relationships. Forced or arranged marriages against the wishes of those involved can further contribute to this situation. In such circumstances, women experiencing violence may struggle to receive support from those around them when they need it most.

At the Institutional and Societal Levels

Despite the existence of numerous laws, domestic violence still often goes unpunished. Legal procedures can be extremely slow. The term “femicide” is not recognised in Cameroon’s Penal Code. Furthermore, the silence of part of society can contribute to the normalisation of femicide by sending the message that women’s lives are worth less. Such attitudes can allow violence to persist and prevent victims from receiving timely protection.

Conclusion

Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. It is the result of a deeply rooted patriarchal culture that is often misunderstood, combined with systemic social failures. To curb this increasingly serious problem, legislation alone will not be enough. What is needed is a profound transformation of attitudes, social norms, and collective behaviour.