Zaihal Abidin hospital

Topic portal

Care economy

© ILO

The care economy is growing as the demand for childcare and care for the elderly is increasing in all regions. It will thus create a great number of jobs in the coming years. However, care work across the world remains characterised by a void of benefits and protections, low wages or non-compensation, and exposure to physical, mental and, in some cases, sexual harm. It is clear that new solutions to care are needed on two fronts: in regards to the nature and provision of care policies and services, and the terms and conditions of care work.

 

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Decent Work in the Care Economy

Ongoing and upcoming events

News and articles

Strengthening childcare services in Bangladesh: Building a skilled and certified workforce
ILO and Government officials receive a warm welcome from children and staff at the childcare facilities

Care economy

Strengthening childcare services in Bangladesh: Building a skilled and certified workforce

ILO pledges to continue protecting private education workers' rights as Jordan raises minimum wage
A group photo after signing the Memorandum of Understanding on 17 Decembre 2024 in Amman, Jordan.

ILO pledges to continue protecting private education workers' rights as Jordan raises minimum wage

ILC - Resolution concerning decent work and the care economy

ILC 112 care economy © ILO

The ILO Resolution on Decent Work and the Care Economy was adopted by the International Labour Conference during its 112th Session, in June 2024. This historic resolution marks the first international tripartite agreement on this critical issue and highlights the essential links between the care economy, gender equality, decent work, sustainable development, and social justice. It underscores the urgent need for action to ensure decent work within the care economy and to promote access to high-quality care and support for all. The resolution provides a common understanding of the care economy, guiding principles and policy recommendations and reinforces ILO’s global leadership role in advancing the care agenda at the global, regional and national levels.

Tools

ILO Global Care Policy Portal
Care policy map

ILO Global Care Policy Portal

Care Policy Investment Simulator
Care simulator

Care Policy Investment Simulator

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Tutorial video: ILO Global Care Policy portal and investment simulator

Key Resources

Care at work: Investing in care leave and services for a more gender equal world of work
Care at work report cover

Care at work: Investing in care leave and services for a more gender equal world of work

Care Work and Care Jobs for the Future of Decent Work
Care work and care job report cover

Care Work and Care Jobs for the Future of Decent Work

Costs and benefits of investing in transformative care policy packages: A macrosimulation study in 82 countries
Care working paper cover

ILO Working paper 55

Costs and benefits of investing in transformative care policy packages: A macrosimulation study in 82 countries

A guide to public investments in the care economy
Care policy tool cover

UN Women - ILO Policy Tool

A guide to public investments in the care economy

Most recent publications

Volunteering, unpaid care work and gender in lower-income countries

ILO-UNV Joint publication

Volunteering, unpaid care work and gender in lower-income countries

Kenya Joins Alliance 8.7 as a Pathfinder Country

A Bold Step to End Exploitation

Kenya Joins Alliance 8.7 as a Pathfinder Country

Videos

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Workplace childcare facilities allowed me to thrive
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