CARE and our partners support safety, dignity, and justice for women and girls everywhere.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most common and damaging forms of inequality in the world. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Harmful social norms, unequal dynamics in the home, and limited access to support make it harder to stay safe or seek help.
Crises such as wars, climate change impacts, or economic instability increase these risks. Women and girls may have to travel long distances to collect water or food, live in overcrowded shelters, or depend on unfamiliar environments for survival. These conditions can increase the chances of harassment, exploitation, and abuse, while essential services become harder to reach.
Every woman and girl deserves to live in safety and with dignity. It’s a basic right. Ending violence is essential for women and girls to reach their full potential and for families and communities to thrive.
By 2030, we aim to support 7 million people to live free from violence.
How CARE helps end violence against women and girls
CARE works with women, men, families, communities, and local partners to prevent violence, reduce risks, and ensure survivors receive the support they need.
We focus on:
Preventing violence before it happens
We support communities to encourage healthier, more respectful relationships, and challenge harmful norms that help create safe and supportive environments.
Reducing risks and improving safety
We design programs that identify and reduce safety risks. This can include improving lighting, ensuring safe access to water and sanitation, and supporting the creation of safe spaces where women and girls can seek help.
Supporting survivors
CARE helps survivors of violence access confidential, compassionate support, including health care, emotional support, and connections to trusted community services.
Partnering with women’s organizations
CARE works with women-led organizations that have deep local knowledge and play a vital role in supporting survivors and strengthening community protection systems.
Advocacy
We work with local, regional, and global leaders to develop and strengthen policies that prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, and support survivors.
Ending violence against women and girls in practice
Women’s organizations in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda fight against some of the worst forms of violence against women and girls. These include rape, violence, femicide, child marriage, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.
However, women's organizations often lack the resources to do this crucial work.
CARE's Women's Voice and Leadership program is helping to give them the support they need. Learn more below.
