NA Committee Calls for Stronger Care Economy Policy to Advance Women’s Economic Participation

ISLAMABAD: The committee reviewed progress on its earlier recommendations and discussed key measures for developing a comprehensive Care Economy Policy. Members stressed the need for clearly defined institutional responsibilities, dedicated resources for childcare, eldercare, disability care and community-based care, as well as the removal of budgetary and administrative barriers that limit access to care services.

The committee also highlighted the importance of conducting regular Time-Use Surveys and adopting internationally aligned mechanisms to accurately measure unpaid care and domestic work. Such measures, members noted, are essential to recognize the economic contribution of unpaid work and ensure that it is appropriately reflected in national accounts.

The meeting underscored that care work is an essential component of the economy, while unpaid domestic and care work represents a significant but often overlooked contribution to society.

A well-developed care economy could play a vital role in increasing women’s participation in the workforce, supporting families, expanding social protection and creating new employment opportunities. It could also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable model of economic development.

The committee reaffirmed that gender equality must remain central to Pakistan’s development agenda, calling for a shift from recognition of care work towards concrete policy reforms and investment.

With growing attention to the economic and social value of care, the committee emphasized that the time to invest in Pakistan’s care economy is now.