Beyond money: Savings groups as a platform for addressing root causes of gender inequality

The potential of savings groups goes beyond money. CARE sees savings groups as an effective platform for greater gender equality beyond women as individuals. This learning report aims start a conversation about the role of savings groups in addressing systemic gender inequities in markets.

CARE is known as an organization which puts gender equality at the center of all we do. We are also known for our commitment to support 62 million VSLA members by 2030. This learning report combines learning from these two areas of expertise to highlight how savings groups are creating greater gender equality.

While savings groups are widely acknowledged to increase women’s individual agency, there has been less focus on the potential of these groups to act as a platform for addressing the systemic barriers women face in improving their economic situation. With this learning report, CARE aims to address this gap by sharing collective insights and examples drawn from projects across 10 countries.

The report builds upon the evidence base and learning established in the brief Gender Equality through Savings Groups: Learnings from East & Central Africa, reviewing a range of more recent projects across additional regions to learn from their collective achievements.

As well as the full report and 2-page summary, a range of learning briefs are available detailing how specific projects have layered additional actions alongside savings groups.