Recognising and rewarding care: a game changer for paid care and domestic workers

Addressing the social and economic injustice that is embedded within wider capitalist systems of care is a complex challenge and requires an ecosystem of actors working together. The recent UN General Assembly resolution that proclaimed an International Day of Care and Support on 29 October is groundbreaking for a number of reasons.

It is groundbreaking because it recognises the pivotal role played by a range of ecosystem actors, including worker and employer organizations, women’s and community-based organizations, feminist groups and youth organizations. It calls on Member States, the UN system, civil society, the private sector, academia and the public to observe the day annually.    

It is groundbreaking because it recognises that this injustice is intersectional in nature and that care is a fundamental human right, a right that is not only important for women’s economic autonomy, but for the overall well-being of both care workers and the communities that they serve. Care for our families and our communities largely rests on the shoulders of women, poor women. And those who so often need care the most - the aged, people with mental and physical disabilities, children from disadvantaged households - are the least likely to be able to access it. Volker TÜrk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed that “in marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I called upon States to take concrete steps towards establishing support and care systems that are human rights-based, gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, and age sensitive.”

Kore Global’s care economy research over the past two years - in partnership with CoreWoman, Intellecap, Busara and Sagana and with support from IDRC and SEDF - has deepened our understanding of how transformational the recognition and reward of paid care work can be in the lives of female care workers. It goes far beyond economic empowerment and reveals the much wider and deeper value that women gain when their work is adequately recognised and rewarded through, for example, the provision of formal employment, flexible and part-time working, access to social security benefits (that, depending on the country, could include access to public healthcare services, sick leave, maternity leave, disability pension, retirement fund, and public daycare allowance), travel allowances, skills building and educational opportunities, monthly bonuses, housing subsidies, and financial inclusion.

We asked women who work as paid care and domestic workers in Latin America for companies, such as Homely, Symplifica, Hogaru and Best Care, what positive changes this recognition and reward have brought to their lives. 

They emphasized increased rest and calm consistently.

“There has been a positive change in my life because I have been relaxed and calm. I do my job to the best of my ability, and I feel understood by both my bosses - the client and Homely.” Care worker, Homely, 50+ years old. 

“Since I have joined Homely, I have less fatigue. I have more free time that I use to rest.”  Care worker, Homely, 37 years old. 

“I have had much more peace of mind; I don't stress so much…I have time to eat, to rest. It is calmer.” Care worker, Best Care, 22 years old.

They highlighted their increased ability to connect with their children, wider families and communities.

“I tell you, for me, my priority is my children and I would never exchange time with them for earning a little more, because what good is it for me to fill them with material things without my time?” Care worker, Hogaru, 34 years old.

They spoke about their ability to save, plan for the future, and achieve economic independence.

“Yes, today thank God, my life has changed positively, I also have my own income. I am not waiting for my partner to suddenly give me my personal things. I also have my con qué hablar [economic Independence].” Care worker, Hogaru, 42 years old.

“I couldn't make decisions, I had to wait for my sister to send me money to pay the rent and now I don't, I am the one who pays for everything in my home, I am the one who decides.” Care worker, Hogaru, 36 years old.

They valued their newfound self-esteem and confidence. 

“They know how to value the worker, not just because she is a maid; no, they treat you the same as any other person.” Care Worker, Symplifica, 53 years old.

“Best Care has helped me a lot. They have helped me a lot with studying as a nursing technician and my current career is full of development. I like to speak up and have some confidence now when speaking to others.” Care worker, Best Care, 46 years old.

While the UN resolution talks about improving policies and scaling up investments to strengthen economies and increase development - which is critical - it is also important to understand that recognising and rewarding women’s care work is a deep structural and normative shift that goes far beyond policies and investments. It is about recognising women’s fundamental rights to rest, to nurture and be nurtured by their families and communities, to feel secure, to feel enough. That is what women value.

Read more about our work on the Care Economy Knowledge Hub. Between November 2023 and February 2024 we will be publishing 20 care economy business case studies that include a deep dive into care business models and into the impacts of these businesses on women’s lives. Please reach out to contact@koreglobal.org if you are interested in learning more about this research.