Skukuza: The world is at a pivotal moment as global economies face a choice: continue to overlook the $11 trillion of unpaid care work that supports societies or invest in it as a foundation for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic resilience. This was the call to action from Dr. Basani Baloyi, Programme Director at the Institute for Economic Justice, during the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) at the Skukuza Conference Centre in Mpumalanga.
According to South African Government News Agency, Baloyi emphasized that the care economy should not be seen as a women’s issue but as an economic imperative. She highlighted examples from Canada and Nordic countries, where investment in childcare and comprehensive care systems have led to job creation and gender equality. Baloyi called for the G20 to leverage their collective power to scale these successes globally, framing the conversation around care as essential to economic and social planning.
Baloyi stressed the urgency of shifting from a model where care work is invisible to one where it is integrated into policy design and economic measures. She cited Brazil’s National Caregiving Policy and South Africa’s comprehensive approach to women’s economic empowerment as frameworks to build upon. Baloyi illustrated the invisibility of care work with real-life examples, highlighting the economic contributions that remain uncounted and unrecognized.
Globally, unpaid care work by women amounts to 9% of the global GDP, equivalent to $11 trillion. In Brazil, women are estimated to subsidize the economy by $10.8 trillion annually. Baloyi warned of the economic consequences of this invisibility, which reinforces gender roles and excludes women from the labor market. However, Brazil’s upcoming National Caregiving Policy and South Africa’s G20 Presidency offer hope for change.
Baloyi outlined South Africa’s priorities for care economy transformation, emphasizing the need to address the full spectrum of challenges women face. She cited the World Economic Forum’s projection that a $1.3 trillion investment in social jobs could generate $3.1 trillion in GDP and create over 10 million jobs in the United States. The International Labour Organisation projects that investing in childcare and long-term care could generate 203 million jobs globally by 2035.
Baloyi urged G20 nations to adopt the ILO’s 5R Framework to recognize, reduce, redistribute, represent, and reward care work. She painted a picture of a future where women like Maria in So Paulo and Nomsa in Johannesburg can focus on their careers, thanks to supportive care infrastructure.
Baloyi concluded by highlighting the demographic changes that will increase demand for care services, urging strategic investment to prepare for the future. She appealed to the G20 to act on behalf of the millions of women currently outside the labor force due to care responsibilities and for future generations who will inherit today’s economic and social systems.