Despite the substantial contribution of women to unpaid domestic and care work, it is evident that this important role they play in building household well-being is not recognized and remains largely overlooked. This situation is at the origin of several forms of inequality.

This is the very purpose of the project entitled “Supporting the development of evidence-based policies on care work,” which is financially supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Global Affairs Canada, and implemented by the coalition made up of the Regional Consortium for Research in Generational Economics (CREG) – Population Reference Bureau (PRB) and the non-governmental organizations: Association for Women’s Development Support in Benin (AADEF-Benin) and Coeur Solidaire Association (ACS), respectively based in Benin and Togo.

This innovative project, whose implementation phase was launched on October 1, 2024, aims to support policy reform through high-level dialogues that will serve as a framework for addressing the issue of unpaid domestic and care work. These dialogues will also make it possible to share evidence on the care economy with target groups consisting of parliamentarians, civil society actors, and policymakers. This will not only help address the issue but, more importantly, foster a dialogue aimed at reaching consensus and building a well-informed community of practice capable of advancing the debate within the highest decision-making bodies.

In the long term, this project will help create a framework for developing evidence-based policies in favor of the recognition of unpaid domestic and care work and, above all, social protection.

The objective is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the target countries. The project, which will span 24 months, is promising and full of hope. In addition to creating spaces for dialogue, it will have an impact on national economies and the well-being of populations.

This project also represents an opportunity to strengthen evidence-based policy discussions. In terms of major impact, it will significantly contribute to better monitoring by political leaders and other stakeholders of commitments made under the African Union Roadmap on gender and demography, particularly in national planning and budgeting.

This is an opportunity for  CREG–PRB–AADEF and ACS coalition to thank IDRC and Global Affairs Canada for their strong support.

Wishing great success to this innovative initiative!