This 29 October marks the UN’s first official International Day for Care and Support, which recognises the legacy of the first International Day for Care founded four years ago by trade unions to accelerate public investment in to the care economy.International Day of Care and Support 2023-HistoryThe International Day of Care and Support was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 29 October as International Day of Care and Support, through resolution A/RES/77/317. The resolution was adopted in recognition of the importance of care and support in advancing gender equality, promoting healthy aging, and ensuring the sustainability of our societies and economies.The resolution calls upon Member States, the UN system, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the public to observe the international day annually and to raise awareness of the importance of care and support, as well as the need to invest in a resilient and inclusive care economy.International Day of Care and Support 2023-SignificanceCare and support work is essential to our societies and economies. It includes a wide range of activities, from unpaid care work provided by family members and friends to paid care work provided by professional caregivers. Care and support workers provide essential services to people of all ages, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and people who are sick or injured.The International Day of Care and Support is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of care and support workers, and to advocate for policies and investments that support a resilient and inclusive care economy.
How to observe the International Day of Care and Support:
There are many ways to observe the International Day of Care and Support. Here are a few ideas:
- Learn more about the importance of care and support and the challenges faced by care workers.
- Support organizations that are working to improve the lives of care workers and their families.
- Speak out about the need for policies and investments that support a resilient and inclusive care economy.
- Show your appreciation for the care and support workers in your life.
Here are some specific examples of activities that you can do to observe the International Day of Care and Support:
- Attend an event or webinar hosted by a local organization or care union. This is a great way to learn more about the challenges faced by care workers and to get involved in advocacy efforts.
- Donate to or volunteer with a charity that supports care workers and their families. There are many organizations that provide essential services to care workers, such as childcare, financial assistance, and legal support.
- Write to your elected officials and urge them to support policies that promote a resilient and inclusive care economy. This could include policies such as paid family leave, affordable childcare, and fair wages for care workers.
- Take some time to express your gratitude to the care and support workers in your life. This could include your family members and friends who provide unpaid care, as well as professional caregivers such as nurses, home health aides, and childcare workers.
By observing the International Day of Care and Support, we can raise awareness of the importance of care and support work and advocate for policies and investments that support a resilient and inclusive care economy.