An estimated 708 million women worldwide are outside the labor force due to unpaid care responsibilities, said the International Labour Organization (ILO). This alarming figure is part of a broader estimate. It indicates that 748 million people aged 15 and older are not participating in the global labor force for similar reasons. This group accounts for one-third of all working-age individuals outside the labor market.
The ILO’s report highlights the stark gender disparity in caregiving roles. Among those not in the labor force, 708 million are women, while 40 million are men. The findings come from data gathered across 125 countries. They show that care responsibilities are the main barrier preventing women from entering the workforce. These responsibilities also keep women from remaining in the workforce. In contrast, men are more likely to cite other personal reasons for their absence from the labor market. These reasons include education and health issues.
THE ROLE OF CARE RESPONSIBILITIES
Globally, around 1.6 billion women and 800 million men are outside the labor force. Among these, 45% of women and only 5% of men cite care responsibilities as their reason for non-participation. The numbers become even more striking for women aged 25 to 54. Two-thirds, approximately 379 million women, show care as the reason for being outside the workforce.
Women with lower education levels face increased barriers to workforce participation. Those residing in rural areas face similar challenges. Both groups are affected due to caregiving duties. As Sukti Dasgupta, Director of the Conditions of Work and Equality Department, states, “Women shoulder a disproportionate share of care responsibilities, preventing their participation in the labor force due to low education levels, limited job opportunities, poor infrastructure, rural residence, and inadequate care and support systems.”
REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN CARE RESPONSIBILITIES
The report reveals significant regional disparities with respect to women outside the labor force due to care responsibilities:
- Northern Africa: 63% of women are outside the labor force for caregiving reasons.
- Arab States: 59% of women cite care responsibilities.
- Asia and the Pacific: 52% of women report care as the primary reason for non-participation, with minimal variation among subregions.
- Americas: 47% of women in Latin America and the Caribbean attribute their non-participation to caregiving. This contrasts sharply with just 19% in Northern America.
- Europe and Central Asia: 21% of women report caregiving as their main barrier. Eastern Europe has the lowest rate globally at 11%.
IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING CARE RESPONSIBILITIES
The new ILO data shed light on critical inequalities within the labor market stemming from unequal care responsibilities. Rafael Diez de Medina, Chief Statistician and Director of the Department of Statistics, notes, “These new ILO data expose important inequalities in the world of work due to unequal care responsibilities. They highlight the power of data to improve our understanding of the care economy.”
The ILO’s Commitment to Care Economy
The findings highlighted systemic gender-based inequalities. In response, the ILO adopted a landmark resolution on decent work. It concerned the care economy during its International Labour Conference in June 2024. This resolution is the first global tripartite agreement on this issue. It establishes a framework for countries to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the care economy.
The resolution emphasizes that “a well-functioning care economy not only supports individuals and families. It also contributes to a healthier workforce, creates jobs, and enhances productivity.” It acknowledges the “structural barriers” created by unpaid care work. These barriers affect women’s participation, retention, and progression in the labor force.
Need for Policy Changes
Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General, points out that the current organization of care tends to reinforce gender and social inequalities. The resolution calls for policies and systems that counter these inequalities. It aims to tackle barriers preventing many women from entering, remaining, and progressing in paid work. Additionally, the resolution seeks to improve conditions for all care workers, enhancing the overall quality of care.
COMPARING ESTIMATES: 2018 VS. 2023
In 2018, the ILO estimated that 606 million women were not participating in the labor force. Their absence was due to care responsibilities. Additionally, 41 million men shared the same reason. In total, this amounted to 647 million individuals. The new estimates are not directly comparable due to changes in methodology. Yet, they confirm that care responsibilities continue to be a primary reason for women’s non-participation in the labor market.
Progress and Challenges
The ILO data show that since 2018, many countries have made strides in promoting the participation of women caregivers. Increased investments in early childhood care and education are contributing to this progress. Nonetheless, the world is facing demographic shifts and aging populations. The impacts of climate change intensify unpaid care work. As a result, the demand for care services is expected to rise.
The Path Forward: Investment in Care Policies
The recent ILO resolution underscores the need for adequate investment in care policies. Addressing the growing inequality in care responsibilities will be essential for achieving greater social justice.
