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Care workers worldwide are marking the UN's International Day of Care and Support with a call for urgent action from governments and employers. The message, "Care workers can’t wait," highlights pressing issues such as unsafe staffing, gender-based harassment, and the lack of formal employment in the care sector.
The majority of care workers are women, and they face undervaluation due to entrenched gender norms. This underinvestment hinders women's economic empowerment. Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, stated that "care professionals are at the heart of society’s well-being" but often work in unsafe conditions without job security or protection against abuse.
Hoffman emphasized the need for a global response: “The heroism we witnessed during the pandemic wasn’t a fleeting moment; it was the reality of what care work looks like every day." She called for fulfilling promises made during the pandemic to build resilient health systems and communities.
