Campaign to End Femicide and So-Called Honor Killings

Author: Laiba Aram

November 14, 2024

According to Etemad Online, in the past three years in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 92 women have been killed by their husbands, family members, relatives, or suitors. The numbers reported include 41 cases in 2024 (Iranian calendar year 1403), 29 in 2023 (1402), and 22 in 2022 (1401). These rising figures reflect a growing social crisis in Iran, with femicide becoming more prevalent each year. Forced marriages, domestic violence, and femicide have turned into painful and recurring narratives, leaving an ever-growing toll of devastation.

Discriminatory laws and a patriarchal culture stand as major obstacles to women's rights. Despite the efforts of human rights organizations and local activists, the tragic stories of femicide and the suffering of child brides continue. This article examines the crisis, its structural and cultural roots, and the shortcomings of Iran's legal system in protecting women and children, highlighting the urgent need for fundamental reforms.

Forced marriage at a young age is one of the biggest social crises faced by young girls in Iran. This social harm not only deprives them of education and childhood experiences but also exposes them to a path of violence and exploitation. In many such marriages, girls become victims of domestic abuse and, in some cases, so-called "honor killings" and femicide due to the lack of legal and cultural support.

Heart-wrenching cases like the murder of Nazila Khosha (Zarouzehi), a 19-year-old girl who was forced into marriage at 14, illustrate the horrifying realities of these marriages. Nazila, repeatedly subjected to abuse by her husband and his family, was ultimately killed in a brutal manner. She was beaten with an axe, a knife, and sticks. Her lifeless body was secretly buried. Eight months after her burial, authorities exhumed her body, finding her clothes stained with blood, and shockingly, the body was still intact.

Cultural and Legal Roots of So-Called Honor Killings

In addition to forced marriage, honor killings are one of the most visible forms of violence against women in Iran. Supported and perpetuated by a patriarchal culture, these killings are often seen as justifiable actions. Laws that fail to protect women from violence or, worse, justify it, create fertile ground for the continuation of these murders.

Gruesome cases like the killing of "Maryam S." show the harrowing reality of violence against women in Iran. Maryam, who was married off as a child at age 13, was tortured and killed by her father and brothers following rumors of her sending a photo to another man. These murders, rooted in a so-called culture of "honor," often go unpunished, with little or no legal follow-up or justice.

Lack of Official Statistics and the Challenge of Understanding Femicide

One of the critical challenges in addressing violence against women, including femicide and forced marriage, is the lack of accurate and official statistics. Many cases of honor killings and femicides remain hidden from the public or are not covered by the media for various reasons. This lack of information makes it difficult to fully understand the problem or develop effective measures to combat it.

Many victims are only referred to by labels such as "a woman" or only their initials, with no details about their lives or personalities. This anonymity is a form of disrespect to the victims' existence and a consequence of the violence inflicted upon them.

Why Has the Legal System Failed?

In Iran, civil and Sharia laws are framed in ways that not only fail to prevent child marriage but often facilitate it. For instance, Iranian civil law sets the minimum marriage age for girls at 13, and even younger girls can be married with the consent of their father or legal guardian. These laws, rooted in traditional and patriarchal values, severely restrict women's independence and rights, thereby perpetuating violence and exploitation.

Moreover, in cases of honor killings, Iran's Islamic Penal Code can sometimes allow a father or guardian to escape punishment. This legal immunity sends a message that violence against women, when carried out in the name of "honor" or "protecting family reputation," is acceptable. This legal structure not only fails to prevent violence against women but also reinforces it.

For example, Ayesha Mirkazahi, a 42-year-old woman from Zahedan, was killed by her husband after objecting to his second marriage. In a heated argument, her husband beat her to death in front of their two daughters. This violent act has its roots in customs, Sharia, and laws that permit men to marry multiple wives and offer them legal immunity. In such an environment, some men see it as their inherent right, resorting to violence or even murder if their first wife objects.

Responsibility of Society and the Culture of Silence Regarding Gender-Based Violence

One of the most significant factors contributing to the cycle of violence is the culture of silence and non-intervention within families and communities. In many cases, family members and community members refrain from intervening in favor of the victim or reporting violence, often due to fear, cultural beliefs, or tacit approval of honor-related violence. This culture of silence contributes to the increase in violent crimes against women, allowing families of victims to continue their violent behavior without serious consequences.

For instance, in Maryam's case, villagers who witnessed her torture and murder turned a blind eye. This lack of empathy and solidarity indicates that even in the most horrifying cases, the culture of silence often prevails over human rights and ethical principles.

The Role of Poverty and Lack of Educational Resources in the Continuation of Femicide, Child Marriage, and Forced Marriage

Poverty and the lack of adequate educational opportunities also play crucial roles in perpetuating violence and forced marriages. Families that cannot financially support their daughters often view early marriage as a way to reduce household expenses. Under such circumstances, young girls become seen as a solution to financial hardships, which constitutes a form of economic violence.

Furthermore, the lack of awareness of individual rights and inadequate access to education prevents young girls and their families from having the means to resist violence or object to forced marriages. Education and awareness can play an essential role in reducing these issues.

The Need for Reform and Societal Change

Addressing the crisis of femicide and violence against women requires legal reforms and cultural change. Among the proposed measures is raising the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 to prevent forced marriages. Stricter enforcement of laws to punish honor killers can hold perpetrators accountable and help end femicide. Educational programs about women's and children's rights can help change attitudes and reduce violence. Establishing support centers and shelters for female victims of violence is also necessary to provide them with a safe refuge in times of crisis. Lastly, civil society and NGOs promoting gender equality and raising awareness about women's and children's rights can make a significant impact.

The continuation of violence against women, so-called honor killings, and forced marriages in Iran demonstrates the urgent need for profound legal and cultural changes. Heartbreaking stories like those of Nazila and Maryam are just a glimpse of the harsh reality that women and girls face in this country daily. To end this situation, the Iranian government and society must commit themselves more resolutely to protecting the rights of women and children and creating supportive laws to pave the way for a safer future for coming generations.