2021-09-30-全球发展中心-加强全球护理经济_拜登·哈里斯政府的路线图（英）_13页_234kb

Summary of "Strengthening the Global Care Economy: A Roadmap for the Biden-Harris Administration"

Problem Statement

The US administration recognizes the constraints on families, particularly women, due to unpaid care work, which is exacerbated by COVID-19. Globally, this hinders women's economic participation and reduces investment in care infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Care gaps in early childhood education and domestic work result in significant economic losses, such as an estimated $800 billion in income loss for women due to increased unpaid care tasks.

US Opportunity and Role

The Biden-Harris administration can translate its domestic focus on care into a global foreign policy agenda by leading initiatives to strengthen care infrastructure worldwide. This addresses gender inequities, boosts economic growth, and supports sustainable development in LMICs.

Key Recommendations

• Collaborate with global partners: Support existing initiatives like the World Bank's Early Learning Partnership to increase investments in quality childcare and care for older populations and those with disabilities. This includes providing catalytic grants and technical assistance.
• Launch a US-led signature initiative: Complement partner efforts with a government-wide campaign to promote care as essential infrastructure. This involves holistic investments in care services, rigorous impact evaluations, performance-based financing, and integrating care into policies such as migration pathways and women's economic empowerment programs (e.g., leveraging USAID, DFC, and MCC agencies).

Conclusion

By prioritizing the global care economy, the US can drive inclusive development, reduce gender disparities, and achieve economic benefits through coordinated efforts—focusing on affordability, accessibility, and evidence-based solutions—to support women and address growing care needs worldwide.