COVID-19’s impacts around the world are worse than they were in September 2020. Far from a return to “normal,” women and girls are saying that their situation continues to get worse. Fati Musa in Nigeria says, “Women have suffered a lot during the pandemic, and we are not yet recovering from this hardship.” 55% of women reported gaps in their livelihoods in 2020. Now that number is 71%. For food insecurity, the number has jumped from 41% to 66%. 63% of women say that their greatest need is mental health support. Women have stepped up to the challenge. "We are women leaders in emergency . . . we have the capacity to say: I have a voice and a vote, I am not going to stay stagnant . . ." (Colombia). In Niger, women are saying, “Now we women are not afraid to defend ourselves when a decision does not suit us.” The constant struggle is taking its toll. Women are almost twice as likely to report mental health challenges as they were in 2020. As one woman in Iraq describes, “If any opportunity appeared, the man would be the favorite . . . This psychologically affected many women...” This report represents the voices of more than 22,000 people in 23 countries since September of 2020.
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