This short paper frames violence against women as a development issue, arguing that women are unable to contribute fully to their societies if they are oppressed and terrorized by violence, domestic or social. She argues for a more human development centered approach, based on maximizing human happiness and fulfillment, rather than economic indicators. To this end she proposes a focus on nutritional, educational and social equality and inclusion, rather than statistical economic growth indicators traditionally embraced by development agencies. The work concludes with some policy suggestions for improving the situation of women in the developing world.