**Baja California Tops the List in Crimes Against Women Despite Gender Alert**
Baja California has been grappling with high rates of violence against women, even though a gender alert has been in place since 2021. As of October, there have been 222 homicides against women this year, with 29 classified as femicides, stated Miriam Ayón Castro, President of the United Women’s Network of Baja California. She noted that while some measures from the gender alert have been implemented, the state moved from the 13th to the 8th position in femicide-related crimes in 2023.
Tijuana, specifically, ranks second only to Ciudad Juárez in terms of femicides. Ayón Castro highlighted that Baja California has occupied positions one through eight in various crimes against women over the past five years, including domestic violence, rape, and intentional injury.
The ongoing violence signifies the need for more effective public policies involving justice authorities, public institutions, and civil organizations to address and mitigate the issue. While some progress has been made, further efforts are necessary to ensure women’s safety across the region.
**Secondary Article: Steps Towards Gender Violence Prevention in Mexico**
The federal government, alongside local administrations across Mexico, is intensifying efforts to tackle the alarming rate of violence against women. Recent initiatives have included increasing funds for women’s shelters, establishing more rapid response teams for cases of domestic violence, and launching awareness campaigns nationwide.
In Mexico City, for example, authorities have introduced “LUNAS” centers, which provide immediate legal, psychological, and medical support for women facing violence. Meanwhile, the National Network for Women’s Shelters reports an increase in the number of women seeking refuge, underlining the urgent demand for support services.
Advocates argue that while policy changes are essential, education and cultural transformation remain critical to effectively combating gender-based violence. Initiatives focusing on community engagement and education aim to change societal attitudes and break the cycle of violence, paving the way for a safer environment for future generations.