Focus on economic empowerment and men’s violence against women

There are many connections between economic independence and men’s violence against women. For example, we know that some women can be placed in long-term debt due to their husband or partner borrowing money or entering into agreements using their wife’s or partner’s name. They may also be prevented from working or studying outside the home. Additionally, without the resources to pay for new housing, women may find it difficult to leave a violent relationship.

The EU prioritises initiatives to achieve women’s economic independence and preventing and countering men’s violence against women, but the particular correlation between these two issues needs to be highlighted and further explored. To contribute to this, the Swedish Presidency is organising a conference entitled Economic perspectives on gender-based violence – paving paths to prevention.

“Economic violence in close relationships is a serious form of violence and oppression, where the perpetrator exercises control and power through the use of economic means. We hope that this conference will contribute to advancing discussions on these types of issues, and particularly to enable enhancing preventive measures”, says Ms Brandberg.

Discussions on approach and working methods

At the conference, participants will discuss best practices and working methods related to the subject matter. They will also highlight issues that concern economic violence and economic vulnerability in relation to older people and persons with disabilities, and the prevention of men’s violence against women and sexual harassment in the world of work.

Some 160 people are expected to take part, including civil servants from national and European governments and institutions and representatives from CSOs, labour market actors and academia. The first day of the conference will be livestreamed on the Swedish Presidency’s YouTube channel. (Link) The conference programme can be found here: (link to the calendar event)