A recent comment suggesting that encouraging women to marry by the age of 23 could reduce femicide sparked widespread outrage and concern. The reasoning behind the claim was that married women are less likely to frequent places such as clubs or Airbnbs, and therefore less exposed to dangerous situations. This perspective was swiftly condemned as both harmful and deeply misguided.
The implication that women’s safety depends on their marital status fails to address the true roots of gender-based violence. Femicide is a complex issue driven by societal attitudes, power imbalances, and deeply ingrained misogyny—not by whether a woman is single or married. Countless cases of femicide have involved women who were in relationships, married, or even attacked in their own homes. Suggesting marriage as a protective measure shifts responsibility onto women, framing their personal choices as risk factors, while leaving the actions of perpetrators unquestioned.
This approach reinforces outdated gender roles and undermines the freedom of women to make life decisions on their own terms. Choosing when or whether to marry should be a personal decision, not something dictated by fear or imposed by society as a supposed safeguard. Promoting early marriage as a solution to violence not only distracts from real issues but also subtly justifies the control of women’s lives in the name of protection.
In response to the controversial opinion, many people emphasized the need to redirect the conversation toward the actual causes of violence. Instead of telling women how to live, more attention must be given to challenging the toxic behaviors and beliefs that fuel gender-based harm. Educating boys and men about respect, empathy, and accountability is crucial in creating a safer environment for everyone.
Rather than respond with anger, some voices called for constructive dialogue as a way to confront such mindsets. They stressed the importance of reaching out to those who hold harmful beliefs—not to shame them, but to guide them toward greater understanding. Education and open conversations can be powerful tools in shifting perspectives and breaking down the social norms that enable violence.
What this moment highlights is the urgent need for a more informed and compassionate approach to combating femicide. The focus must move away from controlling or limiting women’s choices and toward building a culture that protects and values all individuals, regardless of their gender or relationship status. Safety should not come at the cost of freedom, and women should not be forced to alter their life plans in hopes of avoiding danger.
To truly address femicide, society must confront its own role in perpetuating violence. That includes holding perpetrators accountable, improving legal protections, and challenging the deep-seated ideologies that allow such crimes to continue. Only through collective responsibility and a commitment to change can meaningful progress be made.
