Zenanesh Asnakew is a 40-year-old single mother of two from the Fogera District in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia. She is the sole earner in her family, supporting her two children and parents. She engages in small trading activities, selling snacks and local drinks, and farms her small plot of land to support her family. For the past two years, Zenanesh has been a member of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) with 20 members, supported by CARE. The VSLA’s name is ‘Tigist,’ meaning patience. Zenanesh shares her experience going through multiple crises – COVID-19, flood, and conflict, and how a loan from her savings group enabled her to support her business.
Women’s Voice and Leadership in public life and decision-making is an essential component of CARE’s Gender Equality Impact Area Strategy and a priority area under CARE’s 2030 vision. This capacity statement outlines CARE's approach to increasing Women's Voice, and strengthening Women's leadership through standalone and integrated programming. Read More
A storybook capturing the transformative impact of Hamzari on the lives of its participants. Read More
This report shares case studies from six countries that detail how advocacy, partnerships, and tailored regulatory frameworks have fostered supportive legal environments for Savings Groups (SGs), promoting their growth, sustainability, and integration into formal financial systems while preserving their essential informality. Read More