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

News and articles

The ILO and the Ministry of Equality and Equity promote care organizations in Cesar and Chocó, Colombia
Foto grupal del equipo técnico del proyecto de la OIT con mujeres indígenas del la organización JOSA constructoras de paz del pueblo Arhuaco

The ILO and the Ministry of Equality and Equity promote care organizations in Cesar and Chocó, Colombia

Daycare facilities inaugurated to accommodate the needs of working mothers
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Daycare facilities inaugurated to accommodate the needs of working mothers

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

Publications

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Occupied Palestinian Territory

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Occupied Palestinian Territory

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Lebanon

Lebanon: An assessment summary

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Lebanon

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Colombia

Colombia: An assessment summary

Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Colombia