In many countries, women who choose to leave an abusive relationship face intense social stigma. But another reason they feel trapped in a dangerous situation is that they have, in fact, few options. Without some means of earning an income, the choices available to such women are limited. Women’s empowerment and the development of their capabilities are closely related to their economic self-sufficiency. In Ghana, Mauritania and Sierra Leone, women choosing to leave violent relationships are given training and counselling to help them regain their selfesteem and become more self-reliant. In some cases, they are provided with seed money and technical assistance to start small businesses. As a result, they are becoming productive members of their communities and overcoming the stigma to which they might otherwise be subjected.