From 1990 to 1994, CARE expanded its project portfolio to include disaster recovery and development activities. Following the end of the war in 1992, we focus on implementing long-term development projects, including local water management, sanitation and hygiene, food security and nutrition, early childhood care and development, women´s economic empowerment (including microfinance), and strengthening local civil society action. As part of our historic focus on emergency response, we are now engaging more on disaster risk reduction and climate change in Mozambique.
In CARE’s six-year country strategy (2014-2020) for Mozambique, CARE seeks to fight poverty and improve food and nutrition security by empowering women and girls to exercise their rights. This new strategy draws from CARE’s previous innovations and builds on them – emphasizing in particular CARE’s expanded role as a facilitator and development partner with Mozambican colleagues from civil society who are likewise dedicated to transformative, rights-based development in collaboration with the private sector and government.
It is important to note that women are often the most vulnerable to shocks and the most marginalized. Hence, they often suffer the most from natural emergencies and not able to participate as fully in development efforts unless deliberate, strategic actions are taken. This has long-term implications for overall development and ability to reduce poverty if those most marginalized do not participate in the processes.