Topic: 2024-Unpaid Care and Domestic Work
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Elena Petros
UN Woman
Unpaid Care and Domestic Work
Republic of Ghana
Elena Petros
Forest Hills Northern
The issue of unpaid care and household work is not just a personal concern; it is a societal challenge that has far-reaching implications for the global economy, gender equality, and the overall progress of communities. A substantial part of this burden falls disproportionately on women and girls, who dedicate significantly more time to caregiving and household responsibilities compared to their male counterparts. Studies demonstrate that women and girls collectively spend up to three times more hours on these tasks than men. This systemic imbalance not only impacts family dynamics and personal well-being but also contributes to broader societal issues like poverty and inequality, particularly in developing regions such as Ghana.
In many rural areas of Ghana, women face astonishing demands, often juggling these responsibilities up to 14 hours per day. Unpaid care work consumes a significant amount of time, which restricts individuals’ access to education and formal job opportunities. This limitation hinders their ability to achieve personal and financial independence. The impact of this situation extends beyond individual families, affecting the overall national economy by impeding growth and development.
According to the International Labour Organization, unpaid care work is an unnoticed contributor to the global economy, amounting to $10 trillion annually. This figure underscores the significance of addressing this issue, which has historically been overlooked in economic productivity and social policy discussions. Recognizing its crucial role, the United Nations has prioritized tackling the challenges posed by unpaid care work, emphasizing the need to acknowledge, reduce, and redistribute these responsibilities. Programs such as UN Women’s “Care Accelerator Initiative” are pivotal in helping nations like Ghana devise policies to alleviate this burden and promote equitable participation of women in the workforce.
In response to this pressing issue, the Republic of Ghana is actively implementing measures to address unpaid care and domestic work as part of its broader agenda for achieving gender equality and stimulating economic growth. The Ghana Social Opportunities Project is one initiative that exemplifies this commitment by providing cash support to vulnerable families. By offering financial assistance, this program empowers women to seek education and job opportunities, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and dependence. Moreover, on a regional scale, Ghana is collaborating with various organizations across West Africa to advocate for policies that support gender equality, such as affordable childcare services and worker protections that are essential for promoting a balanced life for caregivers.
Ghana’s determination to create a fairer society is further demonstrated by its commitment to international agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This commitment drives local initiatives aimed at sharing caregiving responsibilities and enhancing the economic contributions of women. For instance, rural daycare centers and cooperative farming projects not only facilitate the dual role of women as caregivers and income earners but also strengthen community ties and foster collective action towards a common goal—economic empowerment.
To address the many challenges of unpaid care work, Ghana is promoting a practical and inclusive plan. One idea is to create an African Regional Task Force on Unpaid Care, guided by UN Women. This group would allow countries to share ideas, develop better policies, and find funding for programs to ease the burden of unpaid care. Ghana also highlights the importance of investing in affordable childcare, especially in rural areas where these services are often unavailable.
Finally, a crucial component of Ghana’s strategy involves integrating care work into national development frameworks and promoting shared responsibilities within households and communities. By acknowledging the importance of unpaid caregiving work and promoting shared involvement in caregiving activities, Ghana aims to cultivate a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society for all its citizens. Taking these significant steps is essential not only for addressing the immediate challenges posed by unpaid care work but also for laying the foundation for a balanced and thriving future in which everyone can contribute to and benefit from economic development.
