CARE International’s history in Cuba
CARE began working in Cuba in 1995, at the invitation of the Cuban Government during the “Special Period,” a time of severe economic hardship and food insecurity.
Initially, CARE focused on improving food availability and supporting communities facing shortages of basic goods. Over time, our work expanded to include sustainable livelihoods, water and sanitation, disaster preparedness, crisis response, and support for women and girls.
CARE Cuba works exclusively through local partners across multiple provinces. Together with these partners, we support community-based initiatives that strengthen local capacity and improve access to resources and opportunities.
CARE and partners’ work in Cuba today
CARE Cuba and our partners work to strengthen food systems, promote gender equality, and support communities facing economic and climate-related challenges.
Our work focuses on:
Food and water
CARE supports small-scale agriculture, local food production, and community food systems. Through the project She Produces Too, CARE works in the Matanzas Province to strengthen sustainable food production while supporting women farmers and leaders in agriculture.
Climate
Through initiatives like Communities in Action, we help communities prepare for disasters and climate-related risks. In cities such as Pinar del Río and Artemisa, CARE and partners support communities to better prepare for and recover from hurricanes, droughts, and other climate shocks.
Health
CARE supports access to sexual and reproductive health services and works with communities to strengthen local health systems.
Crisis response
CARE works with communities and local partners to prepare for emergencies and provide humanitarian support when disasters happen.
Making the economy work for women
CARE supports women’s livelihoods through local entrepreneurship, small-scale farming, and improved access to productive resources.
We work closely with local organizations and public institutions to ensure programs address communities’ specific needs and can continue over time.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in Cuba.
We support them to:
- Strengthen economic independence and leadership
- Reduce the risk of violence against women and girls
- Access sexual and reproductive health services
- Participate in local decision-making and community leadership
CARE integrates the prevention of violence against women and girls across all programs. We support community dialogue, strengthen awareness, and help ensure safe referral pathways for survivors of violence, including during emergencies.
We also support menstrual health education and access to reusable menstrual products. Addressing stigma around menstruation helps ensure girls and women can continue participating in school, work, and community life.
Together, these efforts support women and girls in expanding their roles as leaders within their families and communities.
