October 29th, 1997

The International Day of Care and Support, observed on October 29th, is a global initiative established by the United Nations to acknowledge and strengthen the care economy. This day emphasizes the critical role of care and support systems that are robust, resilient, gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, and age-sensitive, ensuring full respect for human rights. It highlights the importance of recognizing, valuing, and redistributing unpaid care and domestic work, while also advocating for the rights and recognition of paid care workers as essential workers. The observance underscores the need to combat gender and other stereotypes related to care work, promote the transition from informal to formal employment in the care sector, and ensure decent work conditions. This day calls for global action to create quality jobs in the care economy, advocate for equal pay for work of equal value, and recognize the right to work and rights at work for those with care responsibilities. It's a day to raise awareness about the significance of care and support in achieving gender equality and the sustainability of societies and economies, and the necessity of investing in a resilient and inclusive care economy.