Care Workers' Network launched in Colombia on National Day

The network aims to support organizing efforts among care workers and elevate their critical roles. Improving regulation is a key goal; a law passed last year established rights for people with disabilities and their caregivers focusing on training, employment, health, inclusion, and comprehensive biopsychosocial human rights-based care.

“We want to be recognized not just as service workers but as what we are: care workers with rights,” stated Doris Mena, another care worker. “Claiming and recognizing care work is fundamental for all those who have dedicated their lives to this work without formalization, pay or training.”

The date July 24 (or 24/07) symbolizes continuous need—care needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week—and underscores ongoing efforts by workers to secure respect for their rights at all times.

UNI Americas operates similarly across several countries in the region. “We want to work with unions and governments to create consolidated work structures that guarantee formal jobs with ongoing training for these workers,” said Lucía Lindner, Regional Director of UNI Care. She highlighted issues like gender-based violence and harassment faced by many workers from third parties or within families. "We want the government to provide protection and assurances for this group of workers."

Lindner concluded by emphasizing respect for care workers' rights: “We believe that care workers should be respected, valued, have the right to be represented and well-paid. On this day we are showing Colombia why organizing in the care sector is key to improving employment conditions and ensuring quality care.”

Supported by USAID through the Gender Equity and Equality Action Fund’s Together We Care initiative aims at structural changes by strengthening collective representation, advancing women’s economic security through bargaining initiatives while promoting safer workplaces free from violence.

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