Welcome to the United Nations
It’s commonly recognised that care is fundamental with multiplying benefits to the well-being and prosperity of individuals, societies, economies and ecosystems. Yet, the undervalued and gender division of unpaid and paid care work remains one of the key barriers in advancing gender equality around the world. Unpaid domestic and care work is valued at an estimated USD 11 trillion, and around nine per cent of global GDP (ILO, 2018). Beyond its economic value, unpaid and paid care work is essential for the functioning of economies, societies and political systems, and a key driver of social and economic, and even environmental transformation with proven multiplier effects to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.
Major global transformations underway – particularly population ageing – have important implications for care needs in the future. As the number of older persons rises, shifting family dynamics and personal aspirations challenge the assumption that women will be available to fill gaps in the care systems as they have in the past. Transforming care systems is urgently needed, especially in rural communities, with local frameworks that recognise, reduce, redistribute, and reward care work through diverse and inclusive representation.
The side event will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in transforming care systems in rural realities.