CARE Celebrates the Introduction of the GROWTH Act in the U.S. House of Representatives

The bill, introduced by Reps. Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), would ensure that U.S. international assistance and trade policies promote the economic security of women and their families. Rep. Lowey headlined an event introducing the GROWTH Act today at the U.S. Capitol.

"The introduction of the GROWTH Act is a step forward for poor women around the globe. It would help provide them with a range of economic tools they need to lift themselves and their families out of poverty," said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE. "The bill directly addresses property rights, access to markets and increased access to microfinance which are key factors in ending poverty."

Specifically, the bill would:

• Help women start and grow businesses, and create jobs in their community;
• Enhance women's land and property rights;
• Support training and education programs to prepare women for better-quality jobs; and
• Tackle the legal and structural barriers to women's economic empowerment, including obstacles to their participation in trade.

The GROWTH Act was developed after ten years of research and outreach by Women Thrive Worldwide. The research included input from many local women's organizations in developing countries and policy experts.

Bowman Cutter, chair of CARE's board of directors, explained how CARE is at the forefront of the movement to empower women and girls in the fight against global poverty. "CARE brings financial services to more people in Africa than any other international organization through our unique savings-led approach called village savings and loan associations," said Cutter. Village savings and loan associations, or VSLA, groups are built by women on the bottom rung of the economic ladder – those living on less than $2 a day.

"The GROWTH Act would help CARE reach even more women in Africa, and expand on economic development programs for women that provide an exceptional return on investment," added Cutter.

CARE, along with Women Thrive Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity International, The United Methodist Church and other supporters the bill, joined Rep. Lowey today at a reception on Capitol Hill. Nearly 60 organizations have formally endorsed the bill.

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.care.org.