This guidance note explores the complex relationship between violence, social norms and economic power.
It is commonly argued that women need economic independence in order to avoid and escape from situations in which they are subjected to violence. When women are able to earn money, own assets and have control over their own resources to improve their lives, they ought to have more economic power, which they can use to prevent and escape from violence in the home. However, for women, the places where they work, whether offices, factories, markets or public spaces – as well as the journey to and from work – can also be locations of violence, sexual harassment and fear. In some contexts women who gain income and economic power find they are subject to increased violence from their husbands, families or other community members as they are challenging predominant social norms.
Part A (this part) sets out the strategic rationale for and broad approach to addressing VAWG in economic development programming and covers the following:
- Introduction and definitions relating to VAWG and women’s and girls' economic empowerment
- Rationale for economic development programmes to address VAWG
- The context: VAWG in the home, in relationships, in the workplace, business and markets
- DFID's vision and key outcome areas to address VAWG through economic development programming
- Principles to guide economic development programming related to VAWG.
Read Part B.