Solutions to promote gender equality and sustainable growth

Promoting gender equality in the care economy can unleash women's potential, contributing to inclusive economic growth.

Overview of the workshop "Investing in the care economy: Solutions to promote gender equality and sustainable growth" in Hanoi , March 14. (Source: UN Women)

On March 14, the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council (VWEC) under the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) organized the Workshop "Investing in the care economy: Solutions to promote gender equality and sustainable growth".

The workshop is one of the activities held on the occasion of International Women's Day with the global theme "For all women and girls".

Caring for children, the elderly, the sick, the vulnerable and family members is a universal right and responsibility, and is essential for the functioning and development of families, societies and economies. Yet, across the world, women shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid care work compared to men. In the Asia-Pacific region, women do, on average, 2.5 times more unpaid care work than men. Vietnamese women spend nearly twice as much time on housework as men.

Caregiving responsibilities are one of the main reasons for women’s limited participation in the labour market. Lack of care services forces women to take up precarious, unstable jobs or even to quit their jobs. In addition, paid care work is often undertaken by women, most of whom are migrants, with poor working conditions, low wages and limited social and labour protection.

Considering women’s contribution to all forms of care, they contribute $11 trillion to the global economy. Yet women and girls continue to be disadvantaged by the undervaluation of care work and underinvestment in care services, setting back progress toward gender equality.

The care economy refers to the economic sector concerned with the provision of care services (paid and unpaid) to people including children, women, the elderly, the sick, the disabled... The care economy plays an important role in maintaining the functioning of society.

The workshop discussed the care economy, the importance of the care economy; businesses that practice family-friendly care policies well, businesses that provide quality care services, comply with labor laws and gender equality and are accessible to customers; towards building a gender-responsive care economy in Vietnam.

The event was attended by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, Pauline Tamesis, along with nearly 130 delegates representing ministries, agencies, United Nations agencies, international organizations, diplomatic missions, business associations, women entrepreneurs' associations, businesses, and women entrepreneurs in the Northern region.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Vice President in charge of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council Mai Thi Dieu Huyen emphasized: "Promoting gender equality in the world of work is about unleashing women's economic potential and promoting their contributions to the comprehensive growth of the economy. Through close cooperation between stakeholders, we can build a comprehensive care ecosystem that benefits women, businesses and the community."

“Investing in care systems is not only necessary but also transformative. It benefits not only women, men and care recipients, but also the community and the country,” said Caroline T. Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Viet Nam.

She called for the joint efforts of the State, social organizations, businesses and the community in building a gender-responsive care economy to ensure benefits for everyone.

The workshop is part of the efforts of the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council and UN Women to promote gender equality and women's economic empowerment in Vietnam.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dau-tu-vao-kinh-te-cham-soc-giai-phap-thuc-day-binh-dang-gioi-va-tang-truong-ben-vung-307536.html