By Mourine Warui
Is Economic Liberation Enough to Completely Eradicate Violence Against Women?
Economic empowerment is a cornerstone tool used for women’s liberation and empowerment. It plays a significant role in reducing femicide and gender-based violence (GBV). However, contrary to popular opinion, on its own, economic empowerment is limited in this fight mainly because violence against women is not primarily a financial issue.
Gender-based violence is not a localized issue but a global epidemic deeply entrenched in cultural, social, and structural inequalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that at least one in three women worldwide experience some form of sexual and physical violence in their lifetime, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Kenya has seen a rampant rise in femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) cases in recent years. An analysis obtained from Africa Data Hub, reveals that 500 women and girls were killed between January 2016 and December 2023. As per media reports these cases have only sky-rocketed and have turned even more gruesome in 2024. This shows that femicide and GBV are pressing issue that demands swift action and attention.
Africa Data Hub also found that family disputes and quarrels are the primary causes of these murders. Furthermore, 75% of the perpetrators are people well-known by the victims, like former lovers, husbands, boyfriends and relatives. These shocking statistics paint a hideous picture of the state of women’s safety and their well-being in the hands of the people they know, trust and love.
In light of that, it is interesting to note that conversations on various social media platforms show how society is quick to judge and blame the victims for ‘getting themselves killed’. They often question everything from what they wore to why they met the said man or for purely existing. Thus, shifting the shame from the crime and the perpetrator to the victim.
In addition, when various organizations add their voice to the end of gender-based crimes, they put more effort into preventing further cases instead of eradicating this pandemic at its root cause. In doing so, they unintentionally shift the focus back to the woman. As a result, GBV and femicide cases no longer become a societal problem but rather a woman’s affair.
Following the circumstances in which some of these women die and the sensationalism of the cases by the mainstream media, people on social media platforms, often men, are quick to label violence against women as a financial issue. Often purporting that these women deserved to die because they ‘used’ the said men financially, were greedy for a lifestyle they couldn’t afford on their own or withheld their ‘good’ after a man invested in them financially.
While economic inequalities play a crucial role in aggregating violence towards women in the country, such sentiments, however, reveal that gender-based violence and femicide is more than just a financial issue. Rather, it highlights a deep-rooted misogynistic culture that objectifies women. It also shows the level of entitlement that some men have regarding women. These thoughts scream that a man can have his way with a woman as long as she has received any form of ‘financial investment’ from him. And any effort by the woman to deny or reject him results in her death!
The Role of Economic Empowerment in The Fight Against GBV
Research shows that women living in abject poverty and those economically dependent on their partners are more susceptible to gender-based violence. Therefore, it would be wrong to underplay the importance of economic empowerment in the war against femicide and GBV. Financial empowerment gives women the means to support themselves, thus empowering them to leave their abusive relationships and households. It also gives them the ability to seek legal and social recourse.
Similarly, economic empowerment protects women against exploitation. Women with little money are less likely to tolerate abuse or fall prey to exploitation. Furthermore, financially independent women gain a stronger voice in their households and the community. It also gives them a sense of independence to make decisions without relying on others, which builds their self-confidence.
When women are financially empowered, they become champions of broader social change. Their economic independence equips them to advocate for policy changes and assume leadership roles, therefore contributing to the systemic transformation needed to end gender-based violence.
The Limitations of Financial Empowerment in the Fight against Gender-Based Violence.
To meticulously tackle violence against women, it is crucial to look deeper into the social and cultural factors that contribute to this calamity.
Cultural Norms and Beliefs
In Kenya, there is a deep-rooted patriarchal system that devalues women. It is rooted in outdated cultural and traditional beliefs. Many moons ago, a girl belonged to her father and, later, to her husband but never herself. She belonged in the kitchen and was expected to be nurturing, submissive, and bound by societal rules.
Today, the patriarchy has refused to evolve into modern times where women are educated, capable and financially empowered by creating a culture of power imbalance, where men still feel entitled to dominate and control women within and outside of the household.
This mindset can only perpetuate more violence against women, no matter how much you empower them financially. If the collective social attitudes of the society are not changed, then all efforts to end femicide and GBV are all in vain. This calls for a cultural revolution, a change in how we perceive and treat women.
Backlash
Unfortunately, women’s economic empowerment is a double-edged sword in the face of gender-based violence. Men are traditionally considered the primary breadwinners and decision-makers in many cultures. Therefore, when women acquire financial freedom, it challenges the norm. Consequently, it leads to resentment as some men may feel emasculated and insecure when women contribute equally or more to household finances. Eventually, this leads to more violence to re-establish dominance and control.
Structural inequalities.
In Kenya, the buzz of a new femicide case is captured by all media outlets. The story is aired three times a day and appears boldly in the headlines of various newspapers across the country. It also stirs a storm on multiple social media platforms. However, little attention is given to what follows, especially the court proceeding.
Unfortunately, systematic issues water down progress made to empower women economically. Such issues include:
- Slow legal proceedings.
- Lack of legal protection.
- Weak law enforcement.
- Unequal access to legal aid.
The lack of strong government policies and laws communicates that it is easy to get away with femicide and gender-based violence. Therefore, no matter how much support a woman has economically, her life is still in danger.
Lack of supportive services
Financial resources alone cannot address the complexities and risks involved in escaping abusive situations or dealing with the aftermath of violence. The victims of Gender Based Violence require safe housing, shelters or safe spaces when escaping violence. Without them, they may hesitate to leave or remain trapped in an abusive relationship despite having the means to go.
Survivors of GBV often experience trauma that affects their mental health, decision-making and ability to reintegrate into society. Therefore, for a speedy recovery, they need urgent counselling and therapy. However, with limited access to emotional and psychological support, financial resources alone may not help survivors rebuild their lives or address the emotional consequences of abuse.
A Holistic Approach
Ending femicide and GBV requires combining financial empowerment with:
Legal Reforms: Stronger enforcement mechanisms and laws are needed to hold the perpetrators accountable
Education: The society requires comprehensive education on gender equality for both men and women
Community Involvement: Engaging with communities to challenge harmful norms, beliefs and practices.
Support Systems: Establish shelters, hotlines and counselling services for survivors
Policy Advocacy: Ensuring government and institutional commitment to gender equity.
While financial empowerment is a critical tool in addressing gender-based violence, it must be applied as a part of a wider strategy that aims to create a more equitable and safer society for all.
Mourine Warui is a writer, broadcast journalist and TV producer at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
mwarui26@gmail.com
