What's Happening?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is actively working to strengthen the care economy and improve the rights and working conditions of care workers globally, particularly in India. The ILO's efforts are guided by its 5R Framework, which aims
to recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work, and to reward and represent care workers. In India, the ILO is collaborating with governments, workers' and employers' organizations, research institutions, and civil society at both national and state levels. Key initiatives include strengthening evidence, skills development, social protection, and worker representation for care workers. The ILO Country Office for India is also focusing on advancing a more inclusive and rights-based care economy, including improving access to social protection for overseas migrant care workers. Additionally, the ILO has supported Skills Collectives in Kerala to help domestic workers gain certified care qualifications and cooperative development initiatives for women-led care enterprises. In Bihar, ILO-supported research contributed to revising minimum wages for domestic workers and establishing a grievance helpline for unorganized workers.
Why It's Important?
The ILO's focus on the care economy is crucial because care work is fundamental to the functioning of economies and societies, yet care workers often face inadequate labor and social protection. By advocating for decent work, dignity, and respect for care workers, the ILO aims to address significant social and economic inequalities. The initiatives in India, such as strengthening skills, social protection, and representation, can lead to improved living standards for a large segment of the workforce, predominantly women. Better conditions for care workers can also enhance the quality and accessibility of care services, benefiting children, older persons, and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, the emphasis on fair labor mobility and responsible recruitment practices, as highlighted in the Canada-India dialogue, is vital for ensuring that cross-border workforce movements create opportunities while protecting workers' rights. This global effort contributes to achieving gender equality, building sustainable care systems, and advancing social justice, which has ripple effects on overall economic stability and societal well-being.
What's Next?
The ILO plans to continue its efforts to advance a more inclusive and rights-based care economy, with ongoing initiatives to strengthen social protection for overseas migrant care workers. A key upcoming step is the launch of corridor-specific and sector-specialized pre-departure training in December 2026, aimed at strengthening rights-based migration pathways. The ILO will also persist in building the capacity of trade unions and national stakeholders to promote maternity protection and improve social protection for care workers. The organization's commitment to the 5R Framework suggests continued advocacy for policies that recognize, reduce, redistribute, reward, and represent care workers. Future efforts will likely involve further policy dialogues, training programs, and collaborations with governments and civil society to ensure that care workers receive adequate protection and remuneration, making decent work a reality for all in the care sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The ILO's work on the care economy extends beyond immediate labor protections, touching upon deeper societal and ethical considerations. The recognition of care as essential to economic and social functioning, rather than merely a private responsibility, challenges traditional gender roles and societal perceptions of care work. By advocating for fair wages, social protection, and representation, the ILO is addressing systemic undervaluation of a predominantly female workforce. This shift in perspective can lead to a re-evaluation of the economic contribution of care work and foster more equitable distribution of care responsibilities. The focus on skills development and fair recruitment also highlights the ethical imperative to ensure safe and dignified migration for care workers, preventing exploitation and promoting human rights. Ultimately, these efforts aim to create a more just and sustainable global economy where the essential work of caring for others is properly valued and supported.
