ECONOMIC VIOLENCE: A PERSISTENT BARRIER TO WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

This paper explored economic violence, a critical yet often overlooked barrier to women's empowerment in developing countries. Economic violence encompasses discriminatory practices that disadvantage women economically, including unequal pay, limited access to resources, and exploitative working conditions. Drawing on recent research, the paper examines the multifaceted nature of economic violence. It highlights how structural inequalities, fuelled by patriarchal norms and inadequate legal protections, perpetuate economic violence and limit women's opportunities. The paper also explores the intersectional nature of economic violence, where factors like race, ethnicity, and class further marginalize vulnerable groups. The paper acknowledges the limitations of existing interventions and proposes a more comprehensive approach. This includes legal reforms to protect women's rights, investments in education and healthcare, and challenging discriminatory social norms. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international actors to achieve gender equality and inclusive development. Key areas explored in the paper include Prevalence and forms of economic violence; Drivers and structural barriers: unequal access to resources, patriarchal norms, and limited legal protections; Intersectionality and the differential impact on marginalized groups; Gaps in policy and programmatic responses; and Strategies for promoting women's empowerment through addressing economic violence. To address economic violence against women, this paper recommends that, policymakers should strengthen legal frameworks, promote gender equality in education and employment, and empower women through access to resources. Additionally, challenging discriminatory social norms, investing in social safety nets, and strengthening data collection and research are crucial steps. Effective implementation of these recommendations will require multi-stakeholder collaboration among governments, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector.