Moving Towards More Inclusive Definitions of Femicide: Intersectionality and Marginalised Identities

Abstract

Femicide violence has long been invisible. Drawing on feminist scholarship, this article will discuss existing definitions of femicide that have been key to its recognition as a distinct phenomenon. However, the notion of patriarchy these definitions build upon is not enough to explain the occurrence of such crime causing these definitions to fall into the trap of essentialism. Femicide is the result of multiple intersecting systems of oppression, including race, class, sexuality, disability, and soforth which shape women’s’ experiences in a wide variety of ways. Considering this, the theoretical framework of intersectionality is fundamental to expand definitions of femicide as it recognises that women’s experiences cannot be categorised under the same umbrella, as there exist differences between them. Moreover, because there is a need to move towards more inclusive definitions, such an approach may successfully go beyond the traditional biological sex-based man/woman heteronormative binary. This binary contributes to the marginalisation of identities that are less visible, such as those of transgender women.