International Day of Care and Support

Today, the world marked the International Day of Care and Support, a day officially introduced by the United Nations in 2023 to recognize the important role of caregivers that are both paid and unpaid to remind societies to treat them with dignity and respect.

This year’s theme, “Care and Support for All: Realizing human rights of all those providing and requiring care and support,” focuses on ensuring that everyone involved in caregiving feels valued, protected, and supported.

The commemoration brought together caregivers from different backgrounds; house helps ,home attendants and nurse assistants to assure them that caregivers are valued and appreciated.

A 2023 survey revealed that for every five hours a woman spends providing unpaid care, a man spends just one hour.The data made the society and the government to start viewing unpaid care as part of national development rather than invisible work.

UN Women’s representative, Antonia Gambala, encouraged the government to create policies that recognize care and unpaid care as the vital pillars of social and economic growth.
In the event, caregivers asked that both them and care recipients to be included in medical insurance, noting that many of them face health challenges without proper support.

Government Remarks
PS Gender, Ann Mwangome, praised caregivers for their tireless service and assured them that their voices are being heard.

PS Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, assured them that they will soon benefit from regulated working hours and fair pay, to prevent them from being overworked and exploitated.

CS Gender, Culture and Arts, Annah Cheptumo, highlighted the positive impact of caregiving on families and communities, urging employers and households to treat caregivers with kindness and respect.
The organisers of the event assured the caregivers that their grievances will be worked on so that upon meeting in the next conference they will have positive remarks.

Recognizing and supporting care work is a key step toward achieving gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development.

Report compiled by Alice Odera.