This article provides a summary of the findings of CARE International’s recent research on CCTs impact on gender equity in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. The research showed a number of practical gains for women participants. However, it also found the CCT programmes did not challenge women’s traditional maternal roles, did not directly increase women’s knowledge of their rights or tackle issues such as violence against women. CCTs need to be more explicitly geared toward women’s social and economic empowerment if they are to be truly effective at lifting women out of poverty.
Do Conditional Cash Transfers Really Empower Women? A Look at CCTs in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes support extremely poor households with a cash subsidy, on condition that children attend school and health checks. Evaluations have shown CCTs have succeeded in improving children’s school attendance, and nutritional and health indicators. But there is comparatively less evidence on whether CCTs address women’s needs and rights.
- Countries: Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru
- Published: December 2011
