Topic portal
Care economy
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.
Ongoing and upcoming events
News and articles
ILO Director-General hails G20 support for social justice, the eradication of poverty, and reduction of inequality
Armenia advances decent work for care workers supporting people with disabilities
ILC - Resolution concerning decent work and the care economy
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 Investment Simulator
Key Resources
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
ILO Working paper 55
Costs and benefits of investing in transformative care policy packages: A macrosimulation study in 82 countries
UN Women - ILO Policy Tool
A guide to public investments in the care economy
Publications
Statistical Brief
The impact of care responsibilities on women’s labour force participation
Strengthening women’s cooperatives: The experience of SEWA Cooperative Federation
Colombia: An assessment summary
Providing care through the social and solidarity economy - Colombia
Videos