CARE International’s history in Benin
CARE started working in Benin in 1999 to support communities facing poverty, limited access to services, and unequal opportunities for women and girls.
CARE Benin operates through the joint CARE Benin-Togo country office, headquartered in Cotonou. Together with national and community partners, we support locally led programs that expand opportunities for women, girls, and young people, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
CARE and partners’ work in Benin today
CARE works with vulnerable women and girls and young people. We focus particularly on teenagers who face increased risks of early and unplanned pregnancy, early marriage, sexual exploitation, and limited access to education and livelihoods.
Key areas of our work include:
Gender equality
We work with communities to address harmful social practices and violence against women and girls. We also support women’s leadership and participation in community life.
Health
CARE supports maternal, child, and youth health programs, with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health services and information for adolescents and young people.
Food and water
We work to ensure that families can strengthen their food security and improve nutrition for households and communities.
Making the economy work for women
Through Village Savings and Loan Associations, we support women and families to build savings, access affordable credit, and strengthen their livelihoods.
Crisis response
CARE supports communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies and other crises that affect vulnerable households.
CARE works closely with community organizations and national partners to support long-term improvements in wellbeing and opportunity. This collaboration also ensures programs fit communities’ specific needs.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in Benin.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to access education, health services, and economic opportunities. We also work with communities to shift harmful beliefs and practices and stop violence against women and girls.
Programs also engage men and boys as allies in promoting equality. Initiatives such as Husband Schools and youth-led movements encourage responsible sexual and reproductive health and help change mindsets towards equality.
By strengthening economic opportunities, expanding access to services, and supporting community-led change, CARE works with women and girls to build stronger futures for their families and communities.
For recent updates on CARE’s work in Benin, see here.
