CARE International’s history in Ukraine
CARE started working in Ukraine in March 2022 following the country’s full-scale invasion and rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis. As millions of people were displaced and critical infrastructure came under attack, CARE and our partners mobilized to deliver immediate, life-saving aid.
Early efforts focused on urgent needs, including cash assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, sexual and reproductive health.
Since 2022, CARE and our partners have contributed to the lives of more than 1.5 million people across Ukraine.
CARE and partners’ work in Ukraine
CARE’s work in Ukraine is done primarily through partnerships with national civil society organizations, including women-led and women’s rights groups. CARE also works with humanitarian partners to strengthen coordination and ensure support reaches people most affected by the conflict. Together with our partners, we focus on:
Food and water
CARE supports access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services for communities affected by displacement and damaged infrastructure.
Health
We support reproductive health services for women and girls affected by the conflict.
Making the economy work
CARE provides cash assistance that helps families meet their basic needs and keep some financial stability during the crisis.
Crisis response
We deliver emergency aid to communities affected by displacement and conflict.
Gender equality
Together with our partners, CARE prioritizes protection and psychosocial support, with a strong focus on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls. Services include case management, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and dignity kits.
CARE also plays a leadership role in advancing humanitarian action focused on women and girls, including through co-chairing the Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are the centre of CARE’s work in Ukraine, both as priority groups and as leaders in humanitarian action and recovery.
We help advance their safety, wellbeing, and leadership while strengthening the capacity of local women-led organizations, like JurFem, Women's Perspective, and Girls.
Through initiatives such as Women’s Leadership in Emergencies, CARE supports women to drive change in their communities and contribute to recovery efforts. This approach helps connect immediate humanitarian response with longer-term recovery through strong partnerships and women’s leadership.
