Women on the Move

Microsavings

Women on the Move aims to economically and socially empower 8 million women and girls through the power of savings groups.

Background

Women on the Move is a CARE regional strategy launched in 2016 to support women and girls across West Africa. The program brings women together in savings groups, giving them a platform to assert their rights and strengthen their voices.

In 2019, Women on the Move shifted focus to highlight the power of women’s collective voice in driving change within families, communities, and at the national level.

Our approach

Women on the Move aims to reach 8 million women and girls by:

  • Expanding savings groups across West Africa to increase access to financial and social
  • Supporting policy change at the local, national, and regional levels through advocacy and partnership.
  • Using the collective voice of group members to influence laws, challenge harmful social norms, and promote equality for women and girls.

Results so far

  • 645,000 women and girls in West Africa have joined savings groups.
  • CARE’s work has helped improve the lives of about 7 million people in Niger, Mali, and Ghana.
  • In Niger and Mali, VSLAs have formed linked networks and federations, giving members more ways to speak out on issues that matter to them.
  • CARE supports one in every three savings groups in West Africa, making it one of the largest and most important contributors to this growing movement.

Resources

Women on the Move Annual Report 2019

This report assesses CARE’s progress on this Impact Growth Strategy to date and shares success stories and challenges going forward.

Read the report on CARE Insights

Political consciousness, leadership and collective action in the Mata Masu Dubara structures in Niger

This report presents the results of research conducted in Niger on the political power of the Mata Masu Dubara (Village Savings and Loan Associations) in Niger.

Read the report on CARE Insights