Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya highlighted the significant role women play in unpaid care work during the Asia Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Beijing +30 in Thailand. In Fiji, women are responsible for approximately 80 percent of this essential care labor, and Minister Tabuya emphasized the need for initiatives that empower women in the caregiving space.
She pointed to Tonga’s Integrated Aged Care Project, which is being supported by the Asian Development Bank, as a potential model for Fiji. This project provides caregivers with allowance payments, recognizing their valuable work and offering them a form of employment.
During her visit to Bogota, Colombia, Ms. Tabuya discovered a concept known as care blocks. These facilities serve as central hubs where women not engaged in formal employment can access a variety of empowerment programs. The services offered at care blocks include vocational training, healthcare, daycare for children, and mental health counseling. This comprehensive approach also supports caregivers who need assistance with elderly family members, allowing them to care for their dependents while improving their own skills.
Ms. Tabuya suggested that Fiji could implement a similar care block system with help from local government centers. By using existing facilities and fostering inter-ministerial cooperation, it could be feasible to provide educational and health services without requiring significant additional funding from the national budget.
The discussion brings attention to the potential for innovative solutions to support the vital role of women in caregiving, which could enhance their empowerment and improve community well-being.
This initiative showcases a commitment to addressing the disproportionate caregiving burdens on women and is a step forward towards a more equitable society. By promoting similar projects, communities can uplift caregivers while also fostering cooperation between various sectors to create holistic support systems.
In summary, Minister Tabuya’s insights reflect a growing recognition of women’s contributions to caregiving and the importance of supporting them through collaborative community programs. This positive outlook offers hope for the development of initiatives that could enhance the lives of caregivers and their families in Fiji.
Leave a comment