Our International Women’s Day Commitment

Ottawa, March 8, 2024

To mark International Women’s Day, Cuso International wishes to highlight the crucial importance of economic resilience in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Women and girls facing GBV situations are often trapped in abusive relationships because of their financial dependence. Our programs recognize this essential link between economic autonomy and personal security.

By providing opportunities for education, vocational training and access to economic resources, Cuso International empowers women to break the cycle of violence by offering them the means to support themselves. Economic resilience is at the heart of our strategic priorities, as we firmly believe that when women are economically empowered, they are in a better position to take control of their lives and free themselves from abusive situations.

For example, our “Techwomen Factory” project in Cameroon supports women and young people by providing them with computer skills and facilitating their transition to the job market and thus their economic independence. Similarly, as part of our voluntary cooperation program, SHARE, we are carrying out several activities in Honduras to empower indigenous women in isolated rural areas, encouraging them to develop their own businesses, which has had the effect of drastically reducing the rate of violence within the communities.

When a woman is able to generate her own income, she becomes less vulnerable to exploitation and more able to make autonomous decisions for her own life and that of her family. Our initiatives also strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where women can develop their skills and build their self-confidence.

By integrating the dimension of economic resilience into our programs, we help to create more equitable communities, where women are able to realize their full potential and flourish, free from the constraints of violence and economic dependence.

Cuso International is committed to transforming the systems and structures that perpetuate gender inequality, recognizing that combating GBV and promoting women’s economic empowerment are intrinsically linked in building a more just and inclusive future for all.

Laura Lortie-Maurel

Program Advisor, Gender Equality and Inclusion