Economic Empowerment of Women: A Lever in the Fight Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violences have serious consequences on the physical and mental health of women who experience them. But beyond these direct consequences, they also affect their autonomy on social and economic levels, isolating women and limiting their ability to work and meet their needs. This form of violence exerts a control that restricts women’s economic independence, sometimes depriving them of their own income, financial management, or even the opportunity to work.

When women find themselves economically dependent on their abuser, socially isolated, and often indebted, they lack the financial resources to leave the violent partner. It is therefore important to integrate women’s economic empowerment into strategies to combat domestic violences, to help them regain control over their lives and finances.

According to UN data from 2023, internationally one in ten women live in extreme poverty, and if current trends continue, nearly 342.4 million women and girls will remain trapped in this situation by 2030[1].

In the world, most women work in the informal economy, holding precarious and poorly paid jobs, exposing them to financial insecurity[2]: 60% of jobs held by women worldwide are informal, and this figure reaches 90% in low-income countries[3].

Recently, access to employment and financial autonomy for women has been at the forefront, especially in countries that have ratified the International Labour Organization’s Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. This convention recognizes the impact of domestic violence on employment, productivity, health, and safety of women, and calls for measures to address it.

Some practices implemented by our partners in the International Observatory of Violence Against Women network address these issues and deserve to be highlighted. For example, the REFELA Gambia network with the African Union for Employment promotes entrepreneurship and training in sexual and reproductive health. Network members pay special attention to investing in youth, recognizing the crucial role of young women in the country’s development.

On the other hand, the Departmental Council of Ziguinchor in Senegal offers professional training in areas such as hotel trade and tailoring. These programs aim to strengthen women’s skills and help them access paid employment. They also seek to identify and support young female leaders, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and successes with other young women.

In Palestine, the Observatory of Violence Against Women in Jenin has created an economic support section for women, allowing them to sell their products and generate income. Practical training is also provided, offering women skills to earn an income.

• To see the activities carried out by Jenin women during the war: click here

In the Comoros, the association Les Hirondelles, a partner of the Observatory of Violence Against Women in Ngazidja, offers training in sewing and cooking for girls and women, while providing temporary employment opportunities during festive periods. These initiatives allow women to meet their needs and achieve financial independence while strengthening their position in society.

Therefore, it is essential to develop policies and programs that promote women’s employment and ensure decent wages to favor their financial autonomy.

[1] UN Women, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023, p.13, 7 September 2023. Accessible here.

[2] World Bank, Participation of women in the labour market, 10 January 2023. Accessible here.

[3]   International Labour Organization (ILO), Women and men in the informal economy: A statistical overview, third edition, 2018. Available here.