CARE International is a global NGO working to end poverty and achieve social-justice. We rebuild and improve the lives of the most vulnerable groups, especially women and girls who are often the most marginalised individuals in their communities and face unequal access to social and economic rights. In 2019, CARE worked in 100 countries around the world, implementing 1,036 poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid projects, and reached more than 68 million people directly and 401 million people indirectly.

CARE International in Lao PDR began its operations in 1992 and has worked since then to improve the lives of vulnerable groups in both rural and urban areas, particularly the ethnic minority communities. CARE works in partnership with community members, government, local civil society organisations, and the private sector. CARE currently implements projects in four provinces: Vientiane Capital, Phongsaly, Luang Namtha and Sekong.

CARE’s “Marginalized Women and Girls” program empowers women and girls to exercise their rights, to lead and make decisions, and benefit from socio-economic justice. CARE’s two main program areas in Lao are women’s health and women’s economic empowerment. Our health programs empower women and girls to exercise their rights to reproductive, maternal and child nutritional health for greater control over their bodies and to live a life free from violence. Our economic empowerment programs give women and girls greater access to and control over economic opportunities, resilient resources and dignified work by promoting gender equality, fighting gender based violence and climate risk. CARE has extensive experience and expertise in both of these areas and will continue to pursue evidence-based practices to deliver long-lasting solutions effectively and sustainably.

We believe supporting women and girls is one of the most effective ways to create sustainable outcomes in poor communities. Equipped with the right resources, women and girls don’t just lift themselves out of poverty, they change their families, communities and society for the better, breaking poverty cycles. Our approach means that we include women in our programs, not that we exclude men.