CARE and Mars’ Women for Change program works with women and their families in cocoa-growing communities to improve livelihoods so that communities can thrive. The program started in Côte d’Ivoire in 2016, founded on CARE’s Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) approach. The program aims to increase gender equity in households and communities, while supporting increased savings, improved skills, income growth and diversification, improved school enrollment rates and increased nutrition. The program also works to shift social norms and reduce gender-based violence by engaging men to encourage joint saving and decision-making. This innovative approach uses a smart mix of solutions to reinforce women’s role in the cocoa supply chain.
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