In efforts to prevent child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) and to scale up a region-wide response, CARE MENA (Middle East and North Africa) has sought to strengthen their programming by understanding and integrating approaches to address the connection between CEFM, adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), and Gender Based Violence (GBV). In addition to portraying barriers to such integration, the goal of this research is to understand solutions for effective CEFM prevention and response strategies through ASRH and/or GBV programming in the MENA region. For the few initiatives in the region that are centered around prevention of CEFM (such as CARE Jordan’s COMBI) or meeting the needs and fulfilling the rights of married adolescent girls (such as the Young Mothers Clubs of CARE Syria), we looked for how GBV, protection, and SRHR are integrated into the programs. The report presents the work that currently exists, challenges to expanding adolescent and CEFM programming in humanitarian settings, and recommendations for future practice.
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