Women continue to shoulder a significant burden of unpaid care work, making up approximately 80 percent of this responsibility globally, and Fiji is no exception, according to Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya. Speaking at the recent Asia Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Beijing +30 held in Thailand, Ms. Tabuya emphasized the need for initiatives designed to empower women, particularly in the realm of caregiving.
To illustrate potential solutions, Ms. Tabuya referenced an initiative in Tonga known as the Integrated Aged Care Project, developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank. This program aims to provide support to women, who are typically the primary caregivers in their families, through caregiver allowances that effectively recognize their work and provide a form of employment.
While sharing insights from a recent visit to Bogota, Colombia, Ms. Tabuya introduced the concept of “care blocks.” These facilities serve as one-stop centers where women not engaged in formal employment can access a variety of empowerment programs, including vocational education, healthcare, and childcare services. The presence of such comprehensive support indicates a major step forward for women in caregiving roles, allowing them to develop skills and access necessary services while ensuring their dependents are cared for.
Ms. Tabuya suggested that the creation of care blocks could be feasible for Fiji through collaboration with local governments. By utilizing existing community spaces, the initiative could be integrated into the national budget with minimal additional costs, promoting inter-ministerial cooperation among education, health, and childcare services.
This approach presents a hopeful opportunity for Fiji to reshape the landscape of caregiving and empower women, ultimately leading to greater equity and support for families across the nation. With the right initiatives in place, women can receive the recognition and assistance they deserve, creating a supportive environment that bolsters both their capabilities and the well-being of their communities.
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