Bringing about systems change
Poverty persists not only because resources required to eliminate it are not made available, but also because of the way societies are organised. Policies, practices, power relations and mental models keep inequality in place and do not allow for all people living in poverty to develop their capabilities and pursue their well-being. That is why CARE addresses some of the conditions that keep poverty in place to bring about systems change.
Action at three levels
Our system approach to poverty reduction involves action at three levels:
- Within our own organisation
- Through our in-country programming work
- In the wider context of policies and stakeholders through advocacy
Influencing three conditions
In bringing about system change, we contribute to Environmental Justice, Gender Equality and Equitable Partnerships.
Environmental Impact
- We mitigate our own negative environmental impact.
- Stakeholders in our programmes have righteous access to the means for their adaptation to climate change.
- Stakeholders at all levels assume responsibility for climate change and environmental impact.
Gender Equality
- We apply gender equality in our own organisation, programming, advocacy and communications.
- Power relations between genders in our impact population are more equal, contributing to overcoming poverty.
- Stakeholders at all levels assume responsibilities and invest in gender equality.
Equitable Partnerships
- We adjust to the consequences that equitable partnerships will have for our own role in the system.
- Local stakeholders in our programmes have equitable influence on decision-making processes that affect them.
- Stakeholders at all levels assume and are acknowledged for risks and responsibilities corresponding to their role.
