CARE, in partnership with the HP Foundation, is expanding the Strive Women program from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to support women-led micro and small enterprises (W-MSEs) in Pakistan, Peru, and Vietnam. This 12-month collaboration aims to strengthen women entrepreneurs’ digital skills, broaden access to markets, and provide financial tools to help their businesses grow and thrive in the digital economy.
Strive Women, implemented by CARE, addresses the specific barriers faced by women-led businesses, enhancing their financial health through tailored services, training, and tools. Since its launch, the program has directly supported 72,000 entrepreneurs, with a target of reaching 300,800 by 2027, and has indirectly reached over 1.15 million through communication campaigns. The initiative emphasizes listening to women entrepreneurs and designing solutions that reflect their real experiences and goals.
The HP Foundation’s contribution will provide practical digital skills training, including AI-enabled tools, prepare women to use digital financial services, and expand outreach through online business learning platforms. Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation, emphasized the importance of equipping women with AI and digital capabilities to thrive in the future of work, ensuring they are not only included but empowered.
CARE CEO Michelle Nunn highlighted that supporting women entrepreneurs benefits entire communities, and the HP Foundation’s partnership allows the program to scale proven strategies to help thousands more women-led businesses participate fully in the digital economy. Payal Dalal, Executive Vice President at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, stressed that combining access to finance with resources and tools enables women-led enterprises to grow and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
Through this joint effort, CARE, the HP Foundation, and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth aim to provide women entrepreneurs with the digital skills, tools, confidence, and knowledge needed to improve productivity, achieve long-term financial inclusion, and drive economic resilience in regions where systemic challenges persist. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing digital equity and fostering sustainable economic growth for women worldwide.
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