Unpaid care work—childcare, elder care, and domestic labor—is the invisible engine driving families, communities, and entire economies. Yet, despite its critical value, it remains largely unrecognized in traditional economic systems. In her latest article, Edith Macharia highlights how this hidden workforce, primarily made up of women, underpins global GDP, often surpassing major industries in economic contribution.

Globally, women spend three times more hours on unpaid care than men, limiting their access to education, formal employment, and political participation. In Africa, weak infrastructure and public services deepen this gender inequality. Macharia calls for urgent action: governments must invest in public care services, implement family-friendly work policies, recognize care work in national statistics, and promote cultural shifts that redistribute care responsibilities.

Recognizing and valuing unpaid care work is not just a moral imperative—it’s essential for achieving gender equality, economic justice, and sustainable development. Read more on why supporting unpaid caregivers is key to building resilient, inclusive economies.

Download her full article here: The Unpaid Workforce- Why Women’s Labour Keeps the World Spinning for Free