Diana E.H. Russell

Diana E.H. Russell (1938-2020) was a prominent South African feminist scholar and activist, best known for her pioneering work in the field of gender-based violence. She is credited with coining the term 'femicide' in 1976 during her contributions to the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women in Brussels, where she highlighted the systematic killing of women based on their gender. Russell's work emphasized the need for legal recognition and a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing femicide as a specific crime, influencing legislation and advocacy efforts in many countries. Her contributions have been crucial in shaping feminist discourse on violence against women and advocating for the rights and safety of women globally.