INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CARE AND SUPPORT: TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO CARE

The International Day of Care and Support is dedicated to individuals in care work, both paid and unpaid. This day brings attention to the silent pillars of society whose labor sustains us all by either feeding a child, caring for the elderly, or managing household’s needs. Care work occupies a vital position in the global division of labor, as well as within the frameworks of families and communities,’ and contributes immensely to the well-functioning of our societies and of the world at large. 

Despite its value, care work, particularly domestic labor, remains undervalued, under dignified and under protected, particularly in certain regions of the world, where domestic workers face institutionalized exploitative conditions and, consequently, become too often victims of severe   human rights abuses.

The International Labour Organization points out that care work,paid and unpaid, is central to the future of work and of the global economy. Factors like growing populations, ageing demographics, shifting family structures, and persistent gender inequalities in labor markets are generating an urgent need for structured, accessible care services.

Dignifying and protecting care workers become therefore central to address these demographicshifts, without deepening gender disparities and creating a global care crisis.Both direct care work—such as nursing ill family members and indirect care work - like cooking and cleaning- are foundational and of growing importance for global society yet remain often underappreciated. Unpaid care work, typically carried out by women, is integral to economies worldwide, yet remains invisible in labor discussions. Paid care workers, on the other hand, fill critical roles as nurses, teachers, domestic aides, and caretakers, yet they are too frequently denied basic rights, protections, and fair wages.

At Global Justice Group, we are focusing on the systemic issues within the care economy that perpetuate exploitation and inequality for migrant domestic workers in the Gulf and Arab States, a region employing over 8.7 percent of the global domestic workforce and over 27.4% of migrants care workers worldwide. In these states foreign domestic workers are governed by the notorious Kafala system,  a legal framework that traps domestic workers in oppressive conditions, where they often face wage theft, physical and psychological abuse, and restricted freedom of movement and communications, intensifying their vulnerabilities and depriving them of the right to the safe, dignified employment they were dreaming of at the beginning of their migration experience. The Kafala system is recognized to facilitate slavery-like practices because it ties workers to their employers, denying their right to change workplaces or even return to their home country without obtaining the employers’ permission (which often never comes). Such control, with low to no pay, generates a situation where domestic workers are vulnerable to discrimination, abuse, and exploitation.

The increase in population and the subsequent rise of the demand for care work require focus on legislation, policies as well as practices that safeguard the welfare of those engaged in care provision, particularly migrant domestic workers, who form a significant portion of this workforce.

At Global Justice Group, we believe that care workers deserve protection under fair labor laws, the right to decent wages, and the ability to work in environments free from abuse. We seek reparative justice for those whose rights have been violated, striving to empower survivors through legal support, and advocate for decent and fair working conditions for all migrant domestic workers worldwide, including safe migration processes, transparent employment terms, and effective oversight within the care economy. Our advocacy extends to calling on governments and employers to provide comprehensive protection and fair compensation for care workers, ensuring they can perform their invaluable roles without fear of exploitation or harm, everywhere.