Agricultural collectives are one of the most important platforms across the globe for small-scale farmers and their households and communities to democratically organize around common goals for prosperity and well-being. To support CARE’s commitment to fulfilling the rights to food, water and nutrition security for women and youth small-scale producers and their families, CARE and partners implement programmes that support competitiveness, gender transformative change, and social solidarity of farmers by establishing and strengthening business-oriented farmer collectives, often with the integration of approaches for gender justice. Drawing on programmatic learnings, in addition to the lived experiences of members throughout the world, CARE believes that collectives play a significant role in building social cohesion and strengthening individual and collective agency; advancing access to and control over resources; changing harmful and discriminatory gender norms; engaging governance structures to change laws; advocating for policy and practices that uphold women’s economic, social and political rights; and, driving socioeconomic development by providing structures for actors to collectively advance their common interests.
Approaches that achieve gender equality, that move beyond the individual level to address greater interpersonal, socio-cultural, and community factors that influence gender attitudes and behaviors, have been shown by rigorous impact evaluations to be impactful in promoting gender-equitable attitudes (e.g., SASA! Program in Uganda), reducing gender-based violence (e.g., Stepping Stones and Creating Futures program in South Africa), and decreasing social acceptance of intimate partner violence (e.g., RESPECT program in Tanzania). Read the report to find out more. Read More
Two numbers set the frame for the food security situation in the world today. 282 million people are very hungry in the world (acutely food insecure). 84.2 million more women and girls are hungry than men and boys. Food insecurity is a huge global problem, and it’s highly unequal. The Starving for Equality research shows how gender inequality isn’t just a woman’s problem; it’s also bad for men and boys. The research also shows that inequality makes men and boys hungrier, too. Read More
When crises hit, women step-up as leaders, engaging hands-on to navigate challenges. Women leaders are often overlooked and unsupported in times of crisis, yet they continue to make considerable contributions. They deliver essential health and nutrition services to the most vulnerable. They document human rights abuses and work to make communities safer. They strengthen their livelihoods through resourcefulness and creativity. CARE's Women in War research shows that women are the key to effective crises recovery and long-term peacebuilding. By removing barriers to their participation and amplifying the critical work they are already doing, we can give women the recognition they deserve and empower them to change the future of crisis response. Read More