Gender-diverse care sectors: A path to equitable and sustainable development

Care is the invisible engine powering economies and societies, vital for dignity and well-being, yet persistently undervalued and disproportionately shouldered by women. In the Arab region, this imbalance in unpaid and undervalued care responsibilities limits women’s participation in the labour force, reinforces gender disparities, and confines them to informal or low-paying care roles. Driven by unmet childcare demands, demographic shifts, ageing populations and mounting pressures from climate change and conflict, care needs are rapidly escalating, placing additional strain on already limited systems across the region. Despite its potential as a key job creator, the paid care sector remains underdeveloped, unable to meet rising needs or support caregivers’ transitions into other fields, including emerging sectors like technology. This moment of urgency is also one of opportunity.

To read the full article: click here