Political Consciousness, Leadership, and Collective Action in Masu Matu Dubara

This research study is part of a broader learning agenda contributing to the CARE in West Africa Impact Growth Strategy (IGS) “Women on the Move” (WOM). The purpose of this study is to learn from CARE Niger’s 25 years of experience with the Mata Masu Dubara (MMD) model of a village savings and loans association, as well as its history of networking groups, in order to inform efforts to scale up the MMD model in the region. CARE’s aim is to reach a critical mass that can serve as a lever for a vibrant social movement for women and girls. The overall premise of this direction is that social movements are essential for creating and sustaining long-term social change, and published research has shown that feminist activism is the most important and consistent driver behind progressive policy change. CARE seeks to build alliances with social movements to help achieve Strategic Development Goals by drawing on the diverse strengths of diverse leadership, a broad base of support, and agile tactics that movements bring. To gain traction on results in food security, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender based violence or equitable economic development, CARE, along with a host of other stakeholders – government, CSOs, the communities, international NGOS, among others – will need the strength of collective action by organized constituencies of concerned citizens. It is in this context that the research was commissioned by CARE West Africa, CARE USA and CARE Norway, and undertaken in May-June 2017.