Femicide and homicide of women in Cartagena (2020–2022):social and community-based strategies for the creation of public policies

Abstract

This work arises from the concern over the persistence of femicides and killings of women in Cartagena de Indias, issues that, despite their severity, are often rendered invisible or misclassified. Based on the review and systematization of cases between 2020 and 2023, it was found that, although legal frameworks such as Law 1761 of 2015 exist, their effective application faces
significant limitations. The findings reveal underreporting, low judicial classification of cases as femicide, fragmented institutional responses, and the absence of a gender perspective in the administration of justice. High levels of intimate partner violence,
sexual crimes, particularly against girls and adolescents, suicides among young women, and assaults against LGTBI populations were also documented. From the field of Social Promotion, the study proposes strengthening the role of the community, especially women leaders, grassroots organizers, and youth, in the prevention, visibility, and reporting of these forms of violence. The
proposed strategies include educational processes with a differential and intersectional approach, community early warning networks, psychosocial support programs, and initiatives to strengthen women’s economic autonomy. National and international experiences adaptable to the local context are also analyzed. Cartagena needs more than laws: it requires social awareness, citizen commitment, and coordinated actions among communities, institutions, and organizations to guarantee the life, integrity,
and dignity of all women.