CARE International’s history in Norway
After World War II, Norway – like most of Europe – was facing a devastating crisis. Hunger was widespread. Infrastructure was severely damaged.
At the time, CARE had recently been founded in the United States to provide post-war aid. The organization began sending emergency relief in the form of CARE Packages.
In 1946, the then-Prime Minister of Norway, Einar Gerhardsen, signed an agreement to receive CARE PACKAGE boxes. By 1950 when the last one arrived, more than 300,000 CARE PACKAGE boxes of food, clothing, books, and toys were distributed to Norwegian families in need.
Thanks to the communities’ hard work and international support, Norway gradually recovered from the war’s devastating impact. In time, the country was able to help others facing similar challenges around the world.
In 1980, CARE Norway was founded as a Member of CARE International.
Eleven years later, an innovative microfinance approach, the first Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), was developed in Niger by Norwegian Moira Eknes in partnership with local communities. Since then, VSLAs have become one of CARE International’s most important tools in fighting poverty around the world.
Till this day, CARE Norway supports communities facing crises — much like the one Norway experienced in the past.
CARE Norway’s work today
Today, CARE Norway works alongside partners and communities across the world to fight poverty, as part of the CARE International Confederation. It helps implement programs and support development led by communities, with a focus on women and girls.
Our key areas of work include:
- Prevent and respond to violence against women and girls
- Increase access to women’s sexual and reproductive health
- Boost economic opportunities for women
- Amplify women’s participation in decision-making in households and communities
- Emergency aid
Focus on women and girls
As it happens across the CARE International Confederation, gender equality is at the core of CARE Norway’s work.
We help women and girls have the same rights and opportunities as men and boys. This creates better futures not only for them, but for entire communities.
The fight for women's rights is therefore our most important tool in the fight against poverty.
Learn more about CARE Norway’s work here.
