Across the world women are discriminated against and excluded from economic systems. Working conditions for women are frequently much worse than for men. They are likely to earn less and experience exploitative and unequal working conditions. Women are also less likely to have a bank account than men. This has an impact on their ability to save for the future or invest in businesses.
What is CARE International doing to advance women’s economic justice?
When women earn, everyone benefits. Families are lifted out of poverty and women are empowered to take control of their lives.
CARE supports economically marginalised women to access financial services, participate in dignified work, and thrive as entrepreneurs and small-scale producers. This includes women living in fragile or conflict-affected contexts, and those who have been displaced.
We promote women’s knowledge, skills and capabilities to realise their economic potential. We also support women’s collectives – such as Village Savings and Loan Associations – and women’s rights organisations.
Through our advocacy work, we promote equitable gender and social norms, and influence harmful and discriminatory laws, policies and practices, so that women gain access to markets, high quality employment opportunities, and financial services.
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Change a life with a loan
Will you support a small business owner from a low-income country with a loan today? Your support will have a direct impact on the lives of women like Wendy, who used her Lendwithcare loan to develop her market stall.
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Business with CARE
Find out how we can support your businesses to achieve greater social and environmental change.
Latest women's economic justice news and stories
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Türkiye-Syria earthquakes: Two years on, Syrian refugee women share stories of survival and resilience
Ahead of the two year anniversary of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes, we spoke to Syrian refugee women in Türkiye who are striving against all the odds to build dignified and hopeful futures.
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How communities in Yemen are forging towards a more resilient future
After over a decade of civil war in Yemen, humanitarian needs across the country are overwhelming. Through the BRIGHTLY Consortium, CARE is working with communities to generate sustainable incomes and food supplies.
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Building caring economies as a pathway to economic and gender justice
Today’s International Day of Care and Support puts a welcome spotlight on the importance of care in all its forms. Poor investment in care is one of the most significant barriers to women and girls fully realising their economic opportunities and rights.