CARE International’s work in Zimbabwe
CARE began working in Zimbabwe in 1992 after a severe drought left communities in urgent need of food, water, and support to recover.
Since then, our work has grown from emergency relief into long-term development programs that address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability, particularly for women and girls.
Today, CARE Zimbabwe operates from its country office in Harare, with district offices in Bikita, Buhera, Chiredzi, Chivi, Mutare and Mwenezi. Through partners, we also maintain a presence in Beitbridge and Tsholotsho. Working closely with communities, government partners, and local organizations, CARE and our partners run integrated programs that help people build resilience and create more opportunities.
CARE and partners’ work in Zimbabwe
CARE Zimbabwe delivers community-based programs that meet immediate needs while supporting long-term opportunities for families and communities. Our work focuses on:
Food and water
We support climate-smart farming, improving household food production, and expanding access to safe water. These efforts help families cope with drought and improve food and nutrition throughout the year.
Gender equality
CARE works with government institutions, schools, and women-led organizations to promote equality and expand opportunities for women and girls. Programs focus on keeping girls in school, reducing early marriage, supporting menstrual health, and creating safe learning environments.
Climate
We support communities to adapt to drought and environmental stress through locally led planning, restoring natural resources, and using climate information to guide farming, livelihood decisions and prepare for future crises.
Health
We work with communities and partners to strengthen health systems and reduce barriers to care so women and girls can get access to essential health information and services and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Making the economy work for women and girls
We strengthen savings groups, improve financial literacy, and support income-generating activities, so women and young people can grow businesses and strengthen household income.
Crisis response
We provide emergency support during droughts and extreme weather events while also helping communities better prepare systems to recover faster from future crises.
Focus on women and girls in Zimbabwe
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE Zimbabwe’s work.
CARE partners with women-led and community-based organizations to strengthen women’s leadership, safety, and economic opportunities. For example, CARE worked with the Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau and Musasa in Buhera to implement the She Leads in Crisis Project (2022–2023).
Across all programs, CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
- Access education, financial services, and economic opportunities
- Improve menstrual health and access sexual and reproductive health services
- Strengthen protection systems and psychosocial support for survivors of violence
- Participate in community leadership and household decision-making
Through these efforts, CARE works with women and girls as leaders of change in their communities.
