Wal-Mart Store Inc. has teamed with the leading humanitarian group CARE to launch a series of programs designed to lift women around the world out of poverty.

The first program to launch is a women owned-and-operated, community-based cashew farming operation in southern India. In India, cashew farming is one of the largest agricultural sectors, and employs mostly women.

The 750 program participants will be trained in entrepreneurial skills to empower them in the global marketplace. In addition, participants will be provided with social services that serve to educate women on their rights, health, and nutrition.

Within a year, the program will expand to help three women begin their own cashew processing businesses. The grant will also cover the construction of 15 literacy centers in the area.

News Release