联合国西亚经济社会委员会-性别多样化的护理部门：通往公平和可持续发展的道路（英）

Gender-diverse care sectors A path to equitable and sustainable development E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/TP.9 Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia Gender-diverse care sectors A path to equitable and sustainable development United Nations Beirut © 2025 United Nations All rights reserved worldwide Photocopies and reproductions of excerpts are allowed with proper credits. All queries on rights and licences, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), email: publications-escwa@un.org. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Links contained in this publication are provided for the convenience of the reader and are correct at the time of issue. The United Nations takes no responsibility for the continued accuracy of that information or for the content of any external website. References have, wherever possible, been verified. Mention of commercial names and products does not imply the endorsement of the United Nations. References to dollars ($) are to United States dollars, unless otherwise stated. Symbols of United Nations documents are composed of capital letters combined with figures. Mention of such a symbol indicates a reference to a United Nations document. United Nations publication issued by ESCWA, United Nations House, Riad El Solh Square, P.O. Box: 11–8575, Beirut, Lebanon. Website: www.unescwa.org. Cover photo credit: ©ChasingMagic/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com 2500421E iii Key messages • Promoting gender diversity in the care sector fosters inclusivity and equity. It helps challenge stereotypes, improves working conditions, stimulates career development, encourages balanced participation by both women and men and advances gender equality. • Supporting men’s participation in care work through targeted initiatives enhances recruitment and retention. It strengthens the care sector’s capacity to meet growing care demands. • Improving working conditions creates decent opportunities for all. It encourages men’s participation in the care sector, supporting a more gender-balanced labour force. • Advanced care sector is a prerequisite for women’s participation in the economy. iv v Contents Key messages iii Introduction 1 1. Care work: a pillar for human development and a prerequisite for advancing women’s economic participation 3 A. Women: the unseen workers in unpaid care 3 B. Women: the unharnessed force in paid care work 4 2. Care sector: a job creator and enabler of women’s