Women’s Economic Empowerment and the Care Economy in ASEAN

A DATA SNAPSHOT

Women and girls in the ASEAN region play a crucial role in providing essential services, such as care. When unpaid, the unequal distribution of care and domestic responsibilities can pose structural barriers to gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls. It is one of the key drivers of time poverty among women and girls, affecting their access to education, employment, career advancement, and participation in other important public spheres. When women caregivers are paid, they often suffer from decent work deficits in the care economy, largely due to informal arrangements.

This brief presents data and evidence aimed at informing policy decision-making to promote concrete changes necessary to advance gender-transformative care systems in the ASEAN region. It also highlights areas where women and girls can benefit from enhanced decision-making power, access to resources, and gender-equalizing and care-enabling policies, programs, and actions.

See also:

• [Press release] ASEAN Leaders Call for Increased Investment in Care Economy to Empower Women and Boost Inclusive Growth and Development