ISLAMABAD: On the International Day of Care and Support, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has called for increased investment in care services and stronger protections for care workers in Pakistan. The announcement comes as new data highlights significant gender disparities in the distribution of unpaid domestic and care work in the country.
According to United Nations Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan’s Labour Force Survey 2024-25 reveals that over 52 million women are engaged in unpaid household chores, compared to only 6.3 million men. This unequal division of labor has implications for women’s participation in the labor market and underscores the need for systemic change.
The survey indicates that approximately 60 percent of women and girls aged 10 and above are involved in household tasks such as cooking and cleaning, compared to just 6.7 percent of their male counterparts. Women and girls spend more than twice as many hours on these activities each week. The ILO asserts that investing in care services and promoting a more equitable distribution of responsibilities can enhance women’s opportunities for education, employment, and economic involvement.
The ILO emphasizes that paid care workers, including domestic workers, nurses, and community health workers, often experience challenging working conditions, insufficient protection, and limited professional growth opportunities. Addressing these issues is critical for enhancing care services, expanding economic opportunities for women, and creating decent jobs.
Geir Tonstol, ILO Country Director for Pakistan, stressed the importance of investing in the care workforce. “In Pakistan, investing in nurses and other care workers, including domestic care workers, means better services for families. It also creates opportunities for decent work, particularly for women, and helps build a stronger economy,” he stated.
The ILO is actively collaborating with the Government of Pakistan, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and development partners to improve working conditions and promote decent employment in the care economy. Efforts include supporting national dialogue on international standards for workers’ rights and employment conditions, particularly through conventions on nursing and domestic work.
The ILO, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is involved in initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s health workforce, improve working conditions, and enhance professional standards. These efforts are part of the broader Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which aims to improve skills and pathways to formal employment and social protection.
In recognition of the International Day of Care and Support, the ILO is hosting a global discussion on sustainable care and support systems, featuring participation from governments, employers, workers, and UN partners. The event will be streamed live on ILO Live.