A End violence against women and save $1.5 trillion a year

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Ending violence against women isn’t just a moral and social imperative—it’s also an economic one. The global cost of violence against women is estimated to be around $1.5 trillion per year, according to reports from the UN and World Bank. This figure accounts for lost productivity, healthcare costs, legal expenses, and the burden on social services.

How Does Violence Against Women Impact the Economy?

1. Healthcare Costs – Medical expenses for treating survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related injuries add up significantly.
2. Lost Productivity – Survivors may miss work due to physical or psychological trauma, reducing workforce participation.
3. Legal and Law Enforcement Costs – Governments spend billions on policing, courts, and incarceration related to gender-based violence.
4. Generational Impact – Children who witness violence at home are more likely to experience or perpetrate violence in adulthood, continuing the cycle.
5. Reduced Economic Growth – When half the population is not safe, their ability to contribute meaningfully to the economy diminishes.

How Can We Reduce Violence Against Women?

• Strengthen Laws & Enforcement – Implement stricter legal protections and ensure justice for survivors.
• Invest in Education & Awareness – Teach young people about consent, respect, and healthy relationships.
• Support Survivors – Provide shelters, mental health services, and financial support for those escaping violence.
• Address Gender Inequality – Economic empowerment of women reduces vulnerability to violence.
• Engage Men & Boys – Encourage them to become allies in ending gender-based violence.

Reducing violence against women isn’t just a human rights issue—it’s an economic necessity. By investing in prevention and support systems, societies can save lives and unlock trillions in economic potential.

…there’s a risk that attention and resources dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) may also decline. However, the urgency of this issue remains just as critical. The pandemic exposed and exacerbated systemic inequalities, but it also provided a blueprint for effective interventions—ones that should not be abandoned as the crisis fades.

Sustaining Momentum: What Needs to Be Done?

1. Institutionalize Emergency Measures – Many countries implemented helplines, safe spaces in pharmacies, and emergency shelters during the pandemic. These should become permanent features rather than temporary responses.
2. Ensure Stable Funding – Governments and international bodies must continue funding GBV prevention programs rather than treating them as crisis-only initiatives.
3. Strengthen Legal Protections – Laws should be updated and enforced to hold perpetrators accountable and provide better protections for survivors.
4. Leverage Technology – Digital reporting tools, online counseling services, and AI-driven safety apps should be further developed and made widely accessible.
5. Engage Communities – Grassroots organizations played a key role during the crisis. Their involvement in prevention, education, and survivor support should be expanded.
6. Workplace & Economic Support – Many women stay in abusive relationships due to financial dependence. Policies like paid leave for survivors, employment support, and economic empowerment programs can help break this cycle.

The spike in violence during crises is a reminder that gender-based violence is deeply rooted in social structures and won’t disappear without sustained action. Governments, organizations, and individuals must recognize that preventing violence is not just a crisis response—it’s a long-term commitment to human rights and economic stability.

Also Read: Technology, financial literacy, and mentoring: The way ahead for self-help groups

Self-help groups (SHGs) have long been a powerful tool for economic empowerment, particularly for women in low-income communities. However, as the world evolves, SHGs must embrace technology, financial literacy, and mentoring to remain effective and sustainable.

The Role of Technology in SHGs

• Digital Payments & Banking – Mobile banking and fintech solutions help SHGs manage funds transparently, reducing financial fraud and increasing efficiency.
• E-commerce & Market Access – Online platforms allow SHG members to sell their products beyond local markets, expanding their customer base.
• Training & Capacity Building – Digital learning tools can provide training in entrepreneurship, leadership, and business management.

Financial Literacy: A Key to Long-Term Success

Many SHG members lack formal financial education, making them vulnerable to debt traps and exploitation. Financial literacy programs should cover:

• Basic Budgeting & Savings – Teaching members how to manage income and savings effectively.
• Access to Credit & Loans – Understanding interest rates, repayment plans, and government schemes.
• Investment & Growth Strategies – Encouraging SHGs to reinvest profits in sustainable ventures.

Mentoring: The Power of Guidance

• Entrepreneurial Mentorship – Experienced entrepreneurs can guide SHG members on scaling their businesses.
• Leadership Training – Women in SHGs can be mentored to take on leadership roles in their communities.
• Networking & Collaboration – Connecting SHGs with businesses, NGOs, and policymakers can open new opportunities.

By integrating technology, financial literacy, and mentoring, SHGs can move beyond survival to thriving enterprises that empower members, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth.