Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya has highlighted the significant role women play in unpaid care work, with estimates indicating they perform around 80 percent of such tasks in homes and communities. Speaking at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Beijing +30 in Thailand, Tabuya emphasized the need for initiatives that empower women in caregiving roles.
During her speech, she referenced the Integrated Aged Care Project in Tonga, suggesting it as a potential model for Fiji. This project aims to provide caregivers with support, including financial allowances, thereby recognizing their essential contributions as providers of care.
Tabuya also shared insights from her recent visit to Bogota, Colombia, where she discovered the concept of “care blocks.” These care blocks serve as multi-faceted centers where women, often outside formal employment, can access various empowerment programs. The services offered include vocational education, healthcare, daycare for children, and mental health counseling. This innovative approach allows caregivers to manage their responsibilities while enhancing their skills and well-being.
She proposed that Fiji might adopt a similar model by collaborating with local governments to establish care blocks equipped with educational and health services. By fostering interministerial cooperation, existing resources can be optimally utilized to create supportive environments for women caregivers.
This initiative presents a hopeful path toward not only recognizing but also valuing the contributions of women in our communities. By investing in support systems, societies can empower women, enhance family welfare, and promote gender equality.
In summary, Tabuya’s advocacy for caregiver support initiatives could significantly alleviate the burdens faced by women in unpaid care work while promoting their empowerment and well-being.
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