Economic Freedom or Danger? Exploring Women’s Work and Intimate Partner Violence

The IMF study explores the paradoxical relationship between women’s economic empowerment and intimate partner violence (IPV) in India, finding that formal employment and supportive societal structures can reduce IPV, while traditional norms and informal work exacerbate risks. It underscores the need for integrated strategies combining empowerment, education, and institutional reforms to address IPV and foster inclusive growth.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) study by Monique Newiak, Ratna Sahay, and Navya Srivastava, investigates the intricate dynamics between women’s economic participation and intimate partner violence (IPV) in India. Conducted in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the study leverages data from over 235,000 respondents in the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) and state-level macroeconomic indicators. It delves into the nuanced relationships among individual, household, and societal factors to reveal how women’s economic empowerment influences IPV risks. The research highlights paradoxical outcomes, where increased economic activity can either protect women from or expose them to heightened IPV risks, depending on various contextual factors.

When Economic Empowerment Becomes a Double-Edged Sword

While employment is often considered a pathway to empowerment, the study reveals that its impact on IPV is highly dependent on context. Women employed in formal, paid roles often experience reduced IPV risks, particularly when supported by conditions such as shared household decision-making and higher levels of male partner education. However, economic empowerment in isolation can backfire. Women earning more than their partners or working in informal sectors, such as manual or agricultural labor, face increased IPV risks. This suggests that challenging traditional gender roles without parallel changes in societal and household dynamics can exacerbate tensions, leading to higher IPV incidence. Employment in formal sectors, coupled with robust societal support, emerges as a safer path to reducing violence.

The Power of Institutions and Leadership

At the state level, institutional strength and societal norms significantly influence IPV outcomes. Higher rates of female representation in leadership roles, better-reporting mechanisms, and effective law enforcement are associated with lower IPV risks. States with higher charge-sheeting rates for crimes against women report reduced physical and sexual violence, though emotional IPV exhibits a more complex relationship. The availability of and trust in institutional support play a crucial role in enabling victims to seek help. Societies that normalize speaking out against violence whether through friends, family, or formal institutions see reduced IPV rates. These findings underscore the importance of fostering institutional trust and societal openness to effectively combat IPV.

Persistent Challenges Despite Policy Progress

India has implemented numerous policies to empower women and address IPV over the past decade. Initiatives such as the Protection of Women Against Domestic Violence Act, one-stop centers for victims, and universalized women’s helplines represent significant strides. However, IPV remains alarmingly pervasive, with over one-third of Indian women reporting lifetime IPV. Physical violence is the most common form, followed by emotional and sexual violence. Alarmingly, underreporting persists, with only a small fraction of victims seeking help. Societal attitudes that normalize IPV, such as justifying wife-beating for reasons like neglecting household duties, compound the problem. The data reveal stark regional variations, with some states showing IPV rates as high as 50%, compared to others with significantly lower prevalence.

Roadmap to Addressing IPV Through Multifaceted Solutions

The study advocates for an integrated approach to addressing IPV that combines economic empowerment with robust institutional reforms. Creating formal employment opportunities for women, particularly in safer and more inclusive environments, is vital. Investing in education for both women and men is another crucial step, as higher educational attainment strongly correlates with lower IPV risks. At the household level, increasing women’s agency through shared decision-making and financial independence can significantly reduce violence. Institutional reforms must focus on enhancing reporting infrastructure, expediting justice delivery, and improving access to support systems such as counseling and shelters. Public awareness campaigns tailored to local contexts are essential to challenge societal norms that perpetuate IPV.

A Critical Call to Action

The intersection of IPV and gender inequality poses significant challenges not only to individuals and families but also to broader societal and economic well-being. IPV leads to substantial losses in productivity, health outcomes, and overall quality of life. Addressing this issue is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. By reducing IPV, India can unlock the full potential of its female workforce, improve societal health, and drive inclusive economic growth. However, achieving this requires collaborative efforts involving governments, communities, and institutions. A holistic approach that integrates economic empowerment with protective measures can create an environment where women are truly free to thrive. The IMF’s research underscores the urgency of tackling IPV as a macrocritical issue, urging policymakers to adopt comprehensive strategies that address its root causes and consequences.

This study highlights the pressing need for transformative solutions that address both economic and social dimensions of IPV. Only through sustained and coordinated efforts can India hope to reduce IPV and realize its immense potential for inclusive development.