On July 24, the National Day of Care Workers in Colombia, UNI Americas launched the Care Workers’ Network of Colombia as part of the Together We Care: Partnerships for Equitable Health System initiative. Over 60 home care workers attended the ceremony to advocate for their rights, increase visibility of care work, and amplify their voices in the country. The number of both paid and unpaid care workers in Colombia is significant and growing with an aging population.
The network introduced a Charter of Rights addressing formalization, training, freedom of association, and collective bargaining. These demands aim to ensure decent working conditions and quality care within the home care system.
“Today is a day to promote the importance of care work and to recognize that quality care improves our lives, societies, and economies. We want to strengthen our network so we are ready to fully participate in the discussion about regulation of the National Care System in the country,” said María Elisa Alfaro, a care worker who has been caring for her husband for six years while also working as an art teacher. “Our work is important and should be recognized.”