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Femicide law

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on one point: whether it specifically punishes femicide (the intentional killing of a woman for a reason related to her gender) or provides for aggravated penalties for the intentional killing of women. Data from the 2026 edition of "Women, Business and the Law", which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

"Specific provision" means that the law expressly addresses this case.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Femicide law: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Specific provision in the law : 35 ; No specific provision : 151.

Why this indicator matters

Some laws specifically punish the killing of a woman linked to her gender or provide for aggravated penalties. Comparing this point shows how legal systems treat this type of crime.

What makes this indicator vary

The choice to create a specific offence depends on the criminal law tradition, public debate, international commitments and the choice between treating these acts as ordinary murder or through aggravating circumstances.

Reading precautions

The indicator only looks at the written law, not the number of cases or how courts apply it. The absence of a specific provision does not prevent a killing from being punished under the general rules of criminal law.

Femicide law

Specific provision in the law (35)

No specific provision (151)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Femicide law" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What is femicide in law?

It is the intentional killing of a woman for a reason related to her gender. Some laws make it a separate offence or provide for heavier penalties.

Without a specific law, is murder unpunished?

No. Murder is still punished under general criminal law. The indicator only looks at whether the law expressly addresses this case.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights