International Day of Care and Support 2023: The United Nations has officially declared 29th October as the International Day of Care and Support. This day aims to raise awareness about the significance of care and support in our societies and economies. It recognizes the essential role played by care and support workers in providing vital services to people of all ages. From unpaid care work by family members to paid care work by professional caregivers, their contributions are invaluable. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and ways to observe the International Day of Care and Support 2023.
History Of International Day Of Care And Support:
The International Day of Care and Support was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/77/317 on 29th October. This resolution acknowledges the importance of care and support in advancing gender equality, promoting healthy aging, and ensuring the sustainability of our societies and economies. It calls upon Member States, the UN system, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the public to observe this day annually and raise awareness about the importance of care and support.
Significance Of Care And Support Work:
Care and support work encompasses a wide range of activities, including both unpaid care work provided by family members and friends and paid care work provided by professional caregivers. These workers provide essential services to people of all ages, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and those who are sick or injured. The International Day of Care and Support provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of care and support workers while advocating for policies and investments that support a resilient and inclusive care economy.
Theme For International Day Of Care And Support 2023:
The theme for the International Day of Care and Support 2023 is “Investing in a Resilient and Inclusive Care Economy.” This theme emphasizes the need to prioritize investment in the care sector to ensure the provision of high-quality care services. It highlights the importance of supporting care workers and creating a resilient and inclusive care economy that promotes gender equality and sustainable development.
How To Observe International Day Of Care And Support?
Observing the International Day of Care and Support can take various forms. It is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to show appreciation for care and support workers, and advocate for policies that improve their working conditions. Here are some ideas on how to observe this significant day:
Learn and Raise Awareness:
Take the time to educate yourself about the importance of care and support work and the challenges faced by care workers. Share this knowledge with others to raise awareness. Use social media platforms, blog posts, or organize webinars to spread the message.
Support Organizations:
Support organizations that are working to improve the lives of care workers and their families. Consider donating to or volunteering with charities that provide essential services to care workers, such as childcare, financial assistance, and legal support.Â
Advocate for Policies:
Speak out about the need for policies and investments that support a resilient and inclusive care economy. Write to your elected officials and urge them to support measures such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, fair wages for care workers, and other policies that enhance the care sector.
Show Appreciation:
Take the time to express your gratitude to the care and support workers in your life. Encompassing unpaid family caregivers, friends, nurses, home health aides, and childcare workers in the caregiving spectrum. A simple thank you or a small gesture can go a long way in showing appreciation.
Activities To Observe International Day Of Care And Support:
There are numerous activities you can engage in to observe the International Day of Care and Support. Here are some specific examples:
Attend Events and Webinars:
Participate in events or webinars hosted by local organizations or care unions. Opportunity to understand care workers’ challenges, engage in advocacy efforts at these informative gatherings.
Donate or Volunteer:
Consider donating to or volunteering with charities that support care workers and their families. These organizations provide essential services and resources to care workers, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Engage in Advocacy:
Write to your elected officials, urging them to support policies that promote a resilient and inclusive care economy. Advocate for measures such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and fair wages for care workers. Your voice can make a difference in shaping policies that benefit care workers.
Express Gratitude:
Take the time to personally express your gratitude to the care and support workers in your life. Express gratitude through notes, gifts, or heartfelt conversations, making a significant impact on dedication and hard work.
Quotes On Care And Support:
- “Without care workers, there would be few services for preschool children, older people, or those with disabilities. Without care workers, millions of people could not go to work.” – Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- “Care workers play an invaluable role to those they support, their families and friends, and the wider economy. The International Day of Care and Support brings visibility to this. But we know that it’s not just recognition the sector needs – it’s action.” – Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Care England
Celebration Of International Day Of Care And Support:
The celebration of the International Day of Care and Support can take various forms, from public events to personal gestures. Governments, organizations, and communities can organize conferences, workshops, and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of care and support work. Express gratitude to care workers through small kindness or support organizations advocating for their welfare.
Additional Information – International Day Of Care And Support:
The global care workforce comprises 249 million women and 132 million men, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). By 2030, the number of care recipients is predicted to reach 2.3 billion, driven by an additional 0.1 billion older persons and an additional 0.1 billion children aged 6 to 14 years. Women perform 76.2 percent of the total amount of unpaid care work, doing 3.2 times more time than men.
FAQs About International Day Of Care And Support:
Why is the International Day of Care and Support important?
“Recognizing the vital role of care and support workers, International Day of Care fosters societal awareness. Advocates for policies backing a resilient, inclusive care economy, advancing gender equality and fostering sustainable development.
What can I do to support care and support workers?
You can support care and support workers by learning about the challenges they face, supporting organizations that assist care workers and their families, advocating for policies that improve their working conditions, and expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work.
How can society benefit from investing in the care economy?
Investing in the care economy can benefit society in several ways. Generates employment, fosters gender parity, improves well-being, strengthens families, and fuels economic growth and development.
The International Day of Care and Support is a day to recognize and celebrate the invaluable work of care and support workers. It emphasizes the need to invest in a resilient and inclusive care economy that supports the well-being of individuals of all ages. By observing this day, we can raise awareness about the importance of care and support work and advocate for policies and investments that improve the lives of care workers and the quality of care services. Let us join hands in promoting a society that values and supports those who provide care and support to others.
