Organizations denounce rise in femicides in Nariño: “They are killing Nariño’s women”

“They are killing Nariño’s women.” The message appeared on banners carried by members of social organizations who gathered to denounce a sharp rise in femicides in the Colombian department of Nariño.

The Ombudsman’s Office said 17 femicides were recorded between January 1 and July 31, 2026. Four more cases were reported in August. The office said the increase raised questions about the response of security bodies and civil authorities.

“

They are killing Nariño’s women.

One of the cases that caused widespread outrage involved Blanca Emérita Pardo, an older woman from San Bernardo. She suffered sexual violence and died on August 29 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Pasto. Authorities have also learned of attempted femicides involving a woman in Taminango and an adolescent in Chachagüí.

“

Nariño must strengthen its institutional response to protect women and prevent femicides.

Women representing different sectors of Nariño society met at the Departmental Assembly to examine the situation. The Ombudsman’s Office urged the department to strengthen its institutional response to protect women and prevent femicides.

Liliana Montúfar, the departmental secretary for gender equality and social inclusion, said the government was focusing on targets and strategies set out in its development plan and women’s and gender policy. She cited eight strategic areas covering prevention, training and organizational strengthening. She also highlighted Casa Vida, a protection center for women from Nariño’s 64 municipalities whose safety is at risk. Eighteen women currently stay there with their families.

“

We have a roadmap laid out in the development plan 'Nariño Region, Country for the World' and in the departmental women’s and gender policy, with eight strategic areas focused on prevention, training and organizational strengthening.