Some 550 million people in sub-Saharan Africa – more than the entire population of the United States, Canada and Mexico combined – live on less than $2 a day. For them, each day is a struggle. They simply do not earn enough to meet their needs.

That's why CARE will help 30 million people in 39 countries access a set of basic financial services by the next decade.

Today, we already reach more people in Africa with financial services than any other international group. We emphasize savings and training before loans are ever dispersed.

And we help women unite and support one another, turning neighbors into mentors.

Learn about CARE's approach to fighting global poverty.

CARE’s approach to fighting global poverty:

For more than 60 years, CARE has been at the forefront of global efforts to end poverty and injustice. Though disproportionately affected by poverty, we understand that women are crucial to fighting it. CARE places special emphasis on working alongside poor women because when equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty.

CARE's work focuses on the critical moments in the lifecycle of women and girls that affect their ability to support themselves, their families and their communities: when pregnant and raising an infant, when applying classroom skills in the home and community, and when earning a living. When women have the power to do what is best for themselves and their families at each of these "make or break" moments, we will break the cycle of poverty.