Why does CARE engage men and boys?
Global evidence suggests that men and women, boys and girls of more equitable societies are, on average, wealthier, healthier, and better educated than in countries where women are most marginalized. Families with more equality have higher household income, better health, and children who are more likely to survive and get an education. Children of parents who model gender equality have more education, better health, and less violence in their adult lives—breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality for future generations.
This is why CARE has put gender equality and women’s empowerment at the heart of its programming. As women become more educated, gain more economic skills, achieve better health, and participate more in household and community decision‐making, it is not just women whose lives improve. It is also their husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons who benefit. Men experience higher household incomes, reduced stress, improved health, and stronger, happier relationships as a result of gender equality.
CARE works with men and boys as partners and allies because their leadership and buy‐in is essential to CARE’s efforts to decrease gender inequality and fight global poverty.