INTERNATIONAL
CALENDAR

         

Care economy for a fairer social contract

Date: Thursday, 26 October, 2023 at 04:00 p.m. (GMT+2)

Platform: Zoom

Register: https://bit.ly/3Qoja2T

Care is essential for well-being and social development, but it is often undervalued and underpaid. Around the world, care needs are increasing due to ageing populations, new family patterns that are moving away from community-based care and multiple crises that affect health, the economy and the environment. Women and girls bear the brunt of care work, dedicating at least three times the time to unpaid domestic and caregiving tasks compared to men. This limits their opportunities for education, economic independence and empowerment, and reinforces gender inequality and poverty. It also deprives communities of women's potential.

The care economy refers to the economic value of care activities that make everyday life possible. Despite women's global contribution to care being worth $11 trillion, care work is not recognised as part of economic activity or gross domestic product. Care work is vital for economies and societies. Some metropolises are leading the way in implementing policies that promote decent work, gender equality, social cohesion and sustainable development. For instance, Córdoba is developing the programme EcoFem to promote women’s economic autonomy and work-life balance and Taipei has just opened the first nursery centre for government employees.

As part of the International Day of Care and Support, this online event aims to highlight the importance of care and the need to place it at the heart of the economy and public policies. Join us in exploring new avenues for action and bringing together diverse voices in a conversation that can make a real difference in the lives of people around the globe.

#ITSTIMETOCARE