disaster
World: Media fact sheet: Five reasons why the care economy is one of the most transformative investments of our time
By UN Women at ReliefWeb
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
. Care work drives economies Care work – both unpaid and paid – makes economies possible. It is the essential daily work that keeps us nourished, healthy, and well – without it, our society and economy would grind to a halt. As populations age and care needs increase, investing in care systems is be
Key takeaway An estimated 350 million children require childcare services globally.
Why this matters
The care economy's transformative potential is closely tied to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts, as conflicts and crises exacerbate existing care gaps. In the aftermath of disasters, care systems are often severely strained, leaving women and girls to shoulder the bulk of care responsibilities. This can have long-term consequences for their economic empowerment and social mobility. Investing in care systems can help mitigate these effects, creating jobs and stimulating local economies. Furthermore, recognizing the value of unpaid care work can inform more effective disaster relief strategies, prioritizing the needs of caregivers and those requiring care. As the global demand for care services continues to grow, faith-based organizations and nonprofits can play a critical role in supporting care systems, promoting gender equality, and upholding human rights in disaster-affected communities. By integrating care economy considerations into disaster relief efforts, these organizations can help build more resilient and equitable communities.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Jesus Give surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Care work drives economies Care work – both unpaid and paid – makes economies possible. It is the essential daily work that keeps us nourished, healthy, and well – without it, our society and economy would grind to a halt. As populations age and care needs increase, investing in care systems is be
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN Women at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .