CARE Canada - Program 2007-2012

By the end of the program CARE reports that project activities in 23 countries had resulted in 871 906 (of which 529 965 women) of the most vulnerable members of communities (women children -particularly girls and orphans people living with HIV/AIDS and remote small-scale farmers) increasing their livelihood security through higher incomes more nutritious food better access to health care and education services stronger participation in democratic processes and better skills to manage their natural resources - over 50% more beneficiaries than was planned (550 000) at the outset of the program. For example: In Zambia the project sensitised more than 30 000 community members on children’s rights and on improved water and sanitation practices. In addition the construction of new and improved facilities resulted in many more families accessing health facilities and having their children receive the necessary immunizations and treatment or referrals; in Ghana the project provided 5 748 men and 3 823 women with knowledge and skills regarding alternative livelihood strategies such as dry season gardening soap making and other small income generating activities; and in Rwanda the number of project participants formally linked to Microfinance institutions totalled close to 24 000 (800 savings/loans groups) by the end of the project. Through their group membership clients were able to access formal financial services such as savings accounts and larger credit loans. By the end of the program approximately 795 civil society organizations representing 423 469 women and 308 882 men can now more effectively engage in policy and governance processes and dialogue and influence decision-makers. For example: In Nepal the project created the Women’s Rights Forum and the Women’s Advocacy Forum that developed 12 advocacy plans on domestic violence alcohol control/management food security rights caste-/gender-based discrimination women representation and good gove