We help people with their most pressing needs while working on their root causes.
There are no quick fixes to poverty and injustices. Tackling the most pressing needs – whether it is food, water, shelter, health, protection – is always the essential start.
But finding long-term and sustainable solutions to issues like child marriage or digital exclusion requires working on all forms of inequality that caused these issues in the first place.
This requires a holistic approach, working with multiple partners in a community, on complex and sensitive issues.
How CARE International drives lasting change
To achieve long-term equality, we work on three levels:
Building agency
We help people strengthen their confidence, skills, and aspirations so they can shape their own lives. CARE supports people to learn, build new skills, and believe in their power to create change.
Changing relationships
Real change lasts when the people around us support it.
CARE works to tackle inequality in families, partnerships, workplaces, and community networks. We help shift harmful dynamics so women and girls are respected, included, and able to thrive.
Transforming structures
Inequality often comes from unfair laws, policies, and social norms. CARE challenges discrimination at every level.
We advocate for better laws, push for inclusive policies, and work with communities and leaders to reshape norms that limit people based on gender.
What this looks like in practice
Our approach is always three-dimensional and rooted in local power dynamics.
For example, consider a woman who runs a small farm.
- CARE helps her learn improved farming techniques to boost her harvest — building her agency.
- We bring women together in groups that help them negotiate fair prices — strengthening their relationships and influence.
- We advocate for stronger land rights so national laws protect her livelihood — transforming the structures around her.
This holistic approach helps ensure change is real, lasting, and owned by the community.
