Women Perform 76% of the World’s Unpaid Care Work, UN Says

Belén Sans Luque: Women provide 76 per cent of unpaid care services

Worldwide, women provide 76 per cent of unpaid care work in the home. Although many countries have committed, both in law and in practice, to recognising the value of such work, the challenge remains to translate these commitments into concrete actions and changes.

Belén Sanz Luque

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This was highlighted by Belén Sans Luque, Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia at UN Women, speaking at a high-level meeting on investment in care systems for economic growth and gender equality. It was organised as part of the Action Programme for Europe and Central Asia on Care for 2026–2030.

The event brought together representatives from governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector from 15 countries, who exchanged experiences on care policies and practices.

Comprehensive care systems are needed

Demographic changes, migration and an ageing population are increasing the need for accessible care services for children, older people and families; in the absence of such services, the burden often falls on women. To change this situation and enable women to pursue their careers, comprehensive care systems must be developed, noted Belén Sans Luque.

‘Care is a vital component of society and the economy, yet work in this sector often remains invisible and is predominantly carried out by women. Investment in care services should be viewed not as an expense, but as an opportunity for economic development. Globally, the expansion of care services could create around 300 million jobs by 2035, contribute to economic growth, broaden the tax base and strengthen gender equality.”

The forum was a continuation of the regional dialogue launched in Istanbul in May, with the aim of finding solutions for the development of care systems. The event brought together representatives from governments, international organisations, civil society, the private sector and other relevant institutions from 15 countries.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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