The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that investing in care policies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could generate nearly 13 million jobs by 2035.
In its latest report titled ‘Care at Work,’ the ILO highlights the potential impact of investing in childcare-related leave, breastfeeding breaks, and early childhood education and long-term care services.
The report emphasizes the economic and social benefits of closing care policy gaps, including narrowing the gender employment gap and achieving workplace gender equality.
To achieve this, the ILO estimates that an annual investment of over $204 billion by 2035, equivalent to 5.8% of GDP per country, is needed.
Investing in care packages is projected to reduce the gender gap in employment rates and monthly earnings, with every dollar spent expected to result in around three dollars of GDP increase.
ILO executives stress the importance of these findings, urging governments, employers, workers’ organizations, and other stakeholders to prioritize transformative care policies for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Despite universal acknowledgment of maternity protection as a fundamental right, implementation across the MENA region remains inconsistent, with 12 countries falling short of ILO standards.
The report aims to provide actionable strategies for achieving universal access to quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) through transformative care policies and the promotion of decent work conditions.
