3 in 5 women are able to decide how they spend their own money while the others have to give all or part of their own income to their husband and if they do not, there will be trouble.

This is according to a survey done on economic abuse by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre.

Of the 3,193 women who participated, the survey shows that few women owned their own assets like jewellery and livestock or crops and even land.

The survey shows that 28% of women experience at least one form of economic abuse.

The survey further highlights that 21% of the women had her husband or partner refuse to give her money for household expenses even when he had money for other things.

12% had her partner or husband take her earnings or savings against her will.

Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali said violence from a husband or an intimate partner has been identified as a major drawback of women's economic growth.

Ali said this is one of the root causes therefore the Centre will continue to increase their awareness work.

Ali added that investing in the education of girls is vital in helping make a huge difference in eliminating Economic dis-empowerment.

Story by: Gwen Mc Goon