In that Latin American context, gender violence in Mexico has become a matter of growing concern from a social, economic and business perspective. The confusion between homicide and feminicide is a phenomenon that, although it may seem like a semantic nuance, has deep implications in justice and, therefore, in the social and economic stability of the country. For those who are immersed in the world of economy, finance and entrepreneurship, understanding this distinction is crucial to promote a safer environment and to contribute to a more fair and equitable future.
Homicide, in general terms, refers to the death of a person at the hands of another, regardless of context or circumstances. On the other hand, feminicide is a term that is used to describe the murder of a woman for gender reasons, that is, when violence is motivated by the fact of being a woman. This distinction is fundamental, since feminicide implies the loss of a life and reflects a pattern of systematic and structural violence that affects women in our society.
The lack of clarity in the classification of these crimes has led to many prosecutors to dismiss femicide investigation, treating them as common homicides. This trend minimizes the seriousness of the problem and perpetuates a cycle of impunity that affects the victims and their families. The lack of attention to femicides translates into an ineffective justice, where the culprits often remain without punishment, which in turn feeds a climate of insecurity and distrust in institutions.
From an economic perspective, gender violence has significant repercussions. Insecurity and impunity generate a little conducive environment for business development and entrepreneurship. Women, who represent a fundamental part of the workforce and the entrepreneurial potential of the country, are affected by this violence, which limits their participation in the economy. The lack of justice in cases of femicide not only affects the victims, but also has an impact on the country’s productivity and economic growth.
Looking towards the future, it is imperative that both authorities and civil society keep in mind the thin line that distinguishes femicide from homicide. This distinction is crucial for the correct delivery of justice, in addition to being a necessary step towards the construction of a more equitable society. The implementation of public policies that specifically address gender violence and that strengthen the abilities of prosecutors to investigate and process femicides is essential. This will contribute to justice for victims and send a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated.
