In a groundbreaking move, Morocco has become the first nation in the Arab world and the second in Africa to officially adopt a national strategy focused on the care economy and care work. This strategic initiative represents a substantial advancement towards achieving gender equality, generating decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and promoting inclusive economic growth. The strategy was developed through a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family (MSISF), in association with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Women, and is built upon a multi-year process of evidence accumulation, policy discussions, and technical support.
Addressing pressing issues such as an ageing population, evolving family dynamics, and an escalating demand for care services, the strategy encompasses measures that span the entire life cycle. This includes provisions for early childhood care, maternity and paternity protections, parental leave, support for older individuals, persons with disabilities, and those in vulnerable situations requiring assistance. The comprehensive nature of the strategy emphasizes a coordinated approach to care as a fundamental element of the Kingdom's social and economic development.
During its unveiling at a national conference, the initiative garnered the participation of government officials, social partners, representatives from the private sector, development allies, and civil society organizations. The event showcased Morocco's commitment to positioning care work as a critical pillar of socioeconomic development, ultimately transforming it from a burden predominantly placed on families—especially women—into a shared responsibility that can drive job creation and empower women economically.
Naïma Ben Yahia, Morocco's Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, emphasized the strategy's alignment with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, highlighting its role in establishing a robust social state rooted in Morocco's unique strengths and international commitments. "This strategy is the result of a participatory process and aims to professionalize care occupations, develop community-based services, and enhance care for the populations in need, thereby making the care economy a genuine catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development," she stated.
Beyond the borders of Morocco, this initiative serves as a model for other countries in the region to address demographic changes while simultaneously fostering decent employment opportunities, expanding social protection access, and enhancing gender equality. The strategy's launch coincided with World Youth Skills Day, underscoring the importance of skill development in professionalizing care roles and improving service quality to meet the rising demand for skilled labor.
Chidi King, Chief of the Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Branch at the ILO, remarked on Morocco's pioneering role, stating, "This makes Morocco the first country in the Arab region and the second in Africa to integrate care work and the care economy into a national strategy. We are optimistic that this initiative will inspire neighboring countries, as investing in care is fundamentally an investment in decent work, gender equality, fair labor markets, and sustainable development."
UN Women also recognized the significance of investing in the care economy as an essential strategy for accelerating gender equality. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director for UN Women, articulated, "Care should no longer be viewed as a private responsibility primarily shouldered by women; it must be acknowledged as a public good and a vital service that generates decent employment while laying the groundwork for inclusive and resilient economies. This strategy marks a substantial advancement for Morocco in realizing our shared vision of transforming care systems as a foundation for equality and sustainable development." According to analyses related to the strategy, significant investment in the care economy could lead to the creation of a substantial number of jobs by 2035, while also boosting women's participation in the workforce and improving access to quality care services.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family is dedicated to implementing an integrated and sustainable national care system that aligns with the Royal Vision to cultivate a more equitable and efficient social state in Morocco, while also sharing its experiences globally. The International Labour Organization will continue to assist the Moroccan government in realizing the National Strategy for the Promotion of the Care Economy and Care Work, in accordance with the International Labour Conference Resolution concerning decent work and the care economy, the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work, and the Decent Work Agenda. Similarly, UN Women will persist in its support for Morocco as it strengthens care systems and advances the recognition, reduction, and redistribution of unpaid care work, alongside promoting decent paid employment in the care sector as a foundation for gender equality and inclusive growth.
As reported by ilo.org.
