Global Alliance for Care leads changes in the care economy

By repositioning care as a right and a public good that is crucial for economic growth and sustainable development, the alliance, through its advocacy campaigns, has etched its importance into policy agendas across the globe.

“Care work is increasingly recognized as central to unlocking progress across multiple sustainable development goals”, said UN Women Economic Empowerment Section Chief Jemimah Njuki.​​​​ “However, the unequal distribution of unpaid care work and limited access to maternity, childcare, and parental benefits continue to be a key driver of gender inequalities.”

Through its persistent advocacy, the alliance has positioned care work at the heart of the multilateral agenda. The alliance has also sparked collective action in care work, leading to decent job opportunities and dignified, safe environments for caregivers. Continued efforts have also secured political commitments, essential funding and forged a solid foundation for the sustainable development of comprehensive care systems.

Speaking at a side event in the context of the Commission on the Status of Women on 16 March 2022, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Head, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris said: “We must invest in gender-responsive public services that meet international human rights standards and that reach the most vulnerable, including those who face intersecting forms of discrimination”.

“We must break the gender stereotypes which assign care responsibility only to women and girls. And we must protect the rights of care workers and unpaid caregivers. Gender equality in care and a human rights-based care economy would lead to a dignified life for all”, she added.