A new ILO report Investments in childcare for gender equality in Asia and the Pacific has highlighted the impacts of shortfalls in childcare provision across 48 countries of Asia and the Pacific, and made recommendations for change at all levels. The report is the joint effort of researches undertaken by ILO, UNDP, ADB and the UNRISD.
The report has tried to show how the provision for affordable, accessible, quality childcare services and facilities, supported by childcare workers enjoying decent work, are key elements to support a virtuous cycle of benefits for women workers, childcare workers and children. It also suggested that the same provisions would bring positive change to push forward the cause of gender equality, decent work and sustainable development.
The report has concluded that the provision of childcare has been below par across Asia and the Pacific, with limited access, affordability and quality affecting women’s participation in the workforce and at the same time, hindering the development of children. According to the report, the precise cause is the absence/non-recognition of the statutory right of childcare across the region. Since there is a lack of options, mothers are either forced to leave the workforce or leave their children under-served. The result is that children aged 0-2 are the most under-served, and low-income, rural households are the most affected. The problem is further compounded when it comes to children with disabilities, since they need services adapted to their special condition.
Even where there are alternatives and subsidies, they are not effective substitutes since high out-of-pocket costs for parents still remain. The high costs deter parents from seeking childcare options even when it is required. The next issue is the quality of childcare centres, which is highlighted by a lack of minimum infrastructure and care delivery standards. This also affects parents’ willingness to enrol children at such centres.
What adds to the woes is the fact that the childcare sector itself is highly feminised and undervalued. The workers’ wages are very low, they have low job security, employment benefits and social protection. Overall, both children and workers are at the receiving end of this structure.
The ILO report calls for greater research and investments in quality childcare, keeping in mind the needs of working parents as well as care workers. It also provides policy suggestions to researchers, civil society groups, development partners etc. on how to go ahead and improve the framework for children aged 0-6 years old. The report also includes country-specific case studies from Indonesia, Georgia, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines etc. which reflect the overall depth of the issue.
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