International Day of Care and Support
Every October 29, the International Day of Care and Support raises awareness of the essential contributions of care workers worldwide. It recognizes the tireless efforts of these professionals who play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of our communities.
On this day, let's encourage individuals, governments, and organizations to address the challenging conditions the care workers experience.
Key Info: International Day of Care and Support
- When is International Day of Care and Support?
Occurs annually on the 29th of October - This Year (2026):
Thursday, October 29, 2026 -
Future Dates
- Friday, October 29, 2027
- Sunday, October 29, 2028
- Monday, October 29, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Governments, civil society organizations, care workers, healthcare institutions, and advocacy groups
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Care Economy and Social Support
- Hashtags: #InternationalDayOfCareAndSupport #CareEconomy #CareWork #GlobalCare #CareSupport
Quick links: International Day of Care and Support
Why the International Day of Care and Support Matters
The care economy encompasses a wide range of activities and services focused on nurturing the well-being of individuals, including child care, elder care, and support for people with physical or mental health issues. Additionally, it includes the unpaid care provided by family members and friends.
The International Day of Care and Support recognizes the significant role of care workers in society.
The care economy employs over 381 million people worldwide but often suffers from poor working conditions and low pay.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, increasing workloads and risks for care workers. Gender inequality is also prevalent, with half of women's contributions in the form of unpaid work.
This occasion invites us to call for increased public investment in improving care systems and improved legal protections for care workers.
Data and Statistics
The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that the care sector employs 381 million people, or 11.5% of the global workforce.
An ILO study in 2019 suggested that, with appropriate recognition and investment, the care economy could create 269 million new jobs by 2030.
To meet future health demands, WHO estimates a need for about 40 million new health and social care jobs by 2030 and an additional 18 million health workers in low-resource settings.
Women constitute 70% of the global health and social workforce. Yet, they earn 28% less than men, per a WHO report, requiring new policies to create gender equality and address this kind of gender-based violence.
Common Examples of Care Workers
- Home Health Aides provide essential health services to individuals in their homes. They may also administer medications or check vital signs under the supervision of a nurse or other healthcare professional.
- Personal Care Aides assist individuals with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. They may also perform light housekeeping tasks and prepare meals. These workers often work in private homes but may also be employed in group homes or day service programs.
- Registered Nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and advise and emotionally support patients and their family members. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes.
- Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. They work in mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals, and private practices.
- Occupational Therapists work with individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments.
Brief Timeline of International Day of Care and Support
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to social security and a standard of living for health and well-being.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Nursing Personnel Convention, recognizing the role of care workers in health services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF launched the global initiative for Health for All by the Year 2000, emphasizing the role of care workers in achieving this goal.
The ILO adopted the Maternity Protection Convention, recognizing the unique needs of women care workers.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 57/185, proclaiming 2003 the International Year of Volunteers and highlighting the role of volunteer care workers.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 63/241, recognizing the contribution of care workers to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The ILO adopted the Domestic Workers Convention, recognizing the rights of domestic care workers and promoting collaboration with trade unions and civil society organizations. The convention also highlights the importance of collective bargaining.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 67/138, proclaiming 2014 the International Year of Solidarity with Care Workers. This declaration recognizes their contribution to sustainable development and suitable to receive equal pay for work of equal value.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 72/241, proclaiming 2019 the International Year of Care and Support Workers, recognizing their role in providing quality care services.
The UN General Assembly officially established the International Day of Care and Support by passing A/RES/77/317. UN Women, ILO, and OHCHR promote the event to achieve its goals of achieving women’s economic autonomy, decent work, and better conditions for care workers and their communities.
IDCS Hashtags
Share your thoughts and show your support online using the following hashtags:
- #InternationalDayofCare
- #SupportCareWorkers
- #CareWorkersDay
- #CareWorkIsEssential
- #ThankYouCareWorkers
Conclusion
The International Day of Care and Support acknowledges the essential services care workers provide in the healthcare system. It sparks conversations about establishing a sustainable care economy and eliminating structural barriers that hinder women’s empowerment, among others.
We must ensure that care workers receive the working conditions they deserve and provide them with the resources needed to thrive.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Every October 29, this global observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of care workers and people engaged in domestic work and the rights of care recipients and their caregivers.
They promote well-being, dignity, and social inclusion for vulnerable individuals.
Advocate for an investment in an inclusive care economy that caters to all. Push for paid time for care and help them achieve work-life balance through flexible working arrangements. The simplest way to celebrate is by thanking the care workers around you.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
