The missing piece of the puzzle: women and organized crime

The missing piece of the puzzle: women and organized crime

Despite the existence of widely accepted international frameworks, a gender-sensitive approach to combating transnational organized crime is generally lacking. The fact that women are often victims of organized crime – human trafficking is a good example – is a widely recognized phenomenon. However, responses to organized crime often ignore the role of women in criminal groups and the ways in which they are influenced by the illicit economy in different ways than men. They also overlook the fact that women are taking effective countermeasures against organized crime.

The report offers a unique gender perspective and highlights that organized crime impacts women in different ways. Actions are called for to address these specific vulnerabilities, in particular the link between gender-based violence and the criminal economy. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for gender-sensitive criminal justice reforms to ensure non-discriminatory responses.

The report not only examines women’s involvement in organized crime, but also highlights their crucial role in responding to and resisting it. Women-led initiatives are central to building resilient communities affected by criminal activity. The report draws on real-life examples of women working on the front lines to combat the influence of criminal groups in their local contexts, from Cape Town to Central America.

The study offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, and gender rights advocates addressing transnational crime. It highlights the importance of integrating gender into international discussions on organized crime and promoting the inclusion of women in decision-making positions.