Invest in care economy to build resilience and empower women, SEA countries told

Public and private investment in the care economy will generate formal job opportunities, many which will be taken on by women, given the gendered nature of care, according to the report. Phoro: Freepik

South-East Asia’s care systems depend heavily on women, whether as paid or unpaid care providers. But with decreasing fertility rates and an ageing population, the demand for care is growing rapidly. To meet this increasing need, countries must take action to set up reliable formal care sectors, according to the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) 2024 Regional Report for South-East Asia.

In a media release by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries are urged to “invest in the care economy to empower women and build resilient societies in South-East Asia”.