COVID-19 and the care economy: Immediate action and structural transformation for a gender-responsive recovery

Authors/editor(s): Bobo Diallo, Seemin Qayum, and Silke Staab

This brief presents emerging evidence on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the care economy. Complementing a separate UN Women brief on COVID-19 and economic recovery, this brief highlights key measures needed to address the increase in unpaid care work as a result of the pandemic, ensure adequate compensation and decent working conditions for paid care workers, and enable the participation of paid and unpaid caregivers in the policy decisions that affect them. It makes recommendations to be considered by all stakeholders, from governments to international organizations and the private sector, with examples of actions already taken.

In addition to considering the immediate impacts of the pandemic on care systems, it shines a light on the opportunity to “build back better” through sustained investments in gender-responsive social protection and care systems.

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Bibliographic information

Subject area(s): Ageing/older people; COVID-19; Economic empowerment; Health; Social protection; Unpaid work

Resource type: Briefs; Policy papers

Series: UN Women policy brief series

UN Women office involved in publication: UN Women Headquarters

Publication year: 2020

Number of pages: 11

Publishing entities: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)