We put women and girls at the centre because we cannot end poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.
Women and girls suffer disproportionately in humanitarian crises. When food is scarce, they eat last and least. During a drought, many skip school or work to fetch water for their family. In times of conflict, they face the highest risks of sexual violence and exploitation. They also have specific needs, such as maternal health, that are often overlooked during crises.
Even outside crises, life is not equal for women and girls. They have fewer opportunities to study, work, and take on leadership roles. Harmful social beliefs – or even laws – often limit their autonomy over what they say, do, and wear. Women and girls are paid less, tend to do more housework, and often can’t even walk freely at night for fear of violence.
Yet, despite all these challenges, they are leading the way for change and recovery across the globe.
Inequality for women and girls cuts across all aspects of their lives and the communities they live in. This is why CARE International puts women and girls at the centre of everything we do.
How does CARE International put women and girls at the centre?
In any context of need, we will strive to support as many people as we can – women, girls, men, and boys. However, we pay special attention to women’s and girls’ specific needs, help end inequalities, and strengthen their leadership.
For example, our health work has a great focus on reproductive health, including contraception, antenatal care, STI prevention and treatment. During emergencies, we help protect women and girls from the heightened risks of sexual violence, exploitation and abuse. In all settings, CARE and our partners work to expand women’s and girls’ access to education and skills, so they can find jobs that will support them and their families.
To achieve this, we prioritize partnering with local women-led and women's rights organizations. They understand the challenges women and girls face and know better than anyone how to address them.
Good for women and girls, good for everyone
Inequality harms whole communities and drives poverty. Women have huge potential to lead, innovate, and contribute to the economy. Equality for women and girls in pay and employment could boost many countries’ economies by up to 13%.
Supporting women and girls strengthens entire societies.
Engaging men and boys
Creating equality requires everyone’s involvement. We work with men and boys to challenge harmful beliefs, behaviours, and norms that hold communities back. Together, we can change the systems that cause injustice.
