The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Care and Support is a growing global observance held every October 29 to highlight the essential role of caregiving. Celebrating its second edition in 2024, this special day calls attention to the contributions of caregivers and advocates for systemic support that addresses the economic, social, and emotional aspects of caregiving.
The International Day of Care and Support also aims to strengthen global commitments to care economy policies, which uphold the well-being of caregivers and create sustainable, inclusive support networks.
Related: World Development Information Day 2024
Background of the International Day of Care and Support
How the Day Came to Be
- Origins: The UN General Assembly officially adopted Resolution A/RES/77/317 on July 24, 2023, which designated October 29 as the International Day of Care and Support.
- First Observance: October 29, 2023, marked the inaugural celebration of this global day, setting a foundation to celebrate, advocate, and recognize the importance of caregiving roles worldwide.
This initiative has also been supported by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPPD), all championing the rights of caregivers.
Why the International Day of Care and Support Matters
- Celebrating the Care Economy
- The day underscores the importance of the care economy, a sector often undervalued despite its integral role in sustaining societies and economies.
- Care workers, both paid and unpaid, provide essential services, from healthcare and child support to elder care and domestic assistance, forming the backbone of communities.
- Addressing Gender Inequality
- On average, women perform significantly more unpaid care work than men globally.
- By raising awareness, the International Day of Care and Support pushes for gender equity, urging men to take a more active role in caregiving and household responsibilities.
- Highlighting Economic Impact
- The day emphasizes the need to invest in care-based industries, which hold potential for job creation, economic stability, and sustainable development.
- Promoting fair wages, benefits, and support for care workers can positively impact economic growth while creating resilient support systems for caregivers.
Focus on Sustainable Development and Decent Work
Care Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Alignment with Goal 8: The International Day of Care and Support aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth.
- Decent Work and SDG Interdependency: Sustainable development is interwoven with the Decent Work Agenda (DWA). Both focus on improving working conditions, promoting fair wages, and providing job security within the care economy.
In promoting decent work, the day addresses critical issues such as job insecurity, insufficient compensation, and lack of support for care workers. By investing in decent work practices, the global community can foster sustainable economies that respect the contributions of caregivers and enable fair treatment across all sectors.
2024 Events: “Long-Term Care Around the World”
In observance of this year’s International Day of Care and Support, the UN will host a 12-hour virtual event themed “Long-Term Care Around the World.”
- Event Highlights: Sessions will bring together voices from different countries to discuss global caregiving practices, challenges, and solutions.
- Participation: Individuals, organizations, and care advocates are invited to contribute through presentations or session coordination, encouraging an inclusive global dialogue on caregiving.
- Focus on Long-Term Care: Emphasis will be on the unique needs and contributions of long-term caregivers, addressing ways to improve their working conditions and access to resources.
This event is an opportunity for participants worldwide to engage, learn, and advocate for better care systems in their regions.
The History and Evolution of the International Day of Care and Support
How the Day Came to Global Recognition
- Advocacy and UNGA Resolution: Following years of advocacy, notably by the ITUC, the UNGA recognized the need for an official day to honor caregiving efforts globally.
- Adoption of Resolution: The resolution was celebrated by organizations that support caregivers, including USAID, CIPPEC in South America, and WHO.
- Global Community Efforts: International organizations and governments are increasingly supporting initiatives to create better conditions for caregivers through labor rights, health protections, and job security.
Ways to Participate in the International Day of Care and Support
1. Attend or Organize Events
- Participate in community or online events organized by NGOs, healthcare providers, and labor organizations. These gatherings often include educational webinars, live discussions, and panels focused on the experiences and needs of caregivers.
2. Advocate for Gender Equality in Care Work
- According to studies, women spend considerably more time on unpaid caregiving work, a disparity the International Day of Care and Support seeks to rectify.
- By advocating for equitable caregiving responsibilities, we can encourage more men to participate in caregiving and reduce the pressure on women to bear this responsibility alone.
3. Promote Fair Wages and Decent Work for Care Workers
- Ensuring fair wages and secure employment for care workers directly supports the Decent Work Agenda and reinforces SDG goals.
- Individuals and businesses can also show support by implementing fair work policies, providing benefits, and recognizing the value of caregiving.
4. Show Appreciation for Care Workers
- Caregivers often work behind the scenes, providing essential services to vulnerable populations.
- By showing appreciation, either through small gestures or formal recognition programs, individuals and communities can highlight the immense value of care work.
Spotlight on Gender Inequality in Care Work
- Unpaid vs. Paid Care Work
- Globally, women carry out the majority of unpaid caregiving activities. The International Day of Care and Support highlights these inequalities and advocates for policy changes to balance caregiving responsibilities.
- Impact on Women’s Careers and Health
- The extra hours women spend on caregiving can affect their career progress, income potential, and overall health.
- Organizations and policymakers are urged to create programs that support women in caregiving roles by offering flexible work arrangements, career advancement opportunities, and mental health resources.
- Building a Gender-Equitable Future
- By promoting caregiving as a shared responsibility, society can work towards a gender-equitable future where care work is respected, valued, and equally distributed among all.
Future Goals for the International Day of Care and Support
- Increased Global Recognition
- Expanding awareness of the International Day of Care and Support will further its mission to support caregivers worldwide. Schools, businesses, and communities are encouraged to observe the day and educate people about the importance of caregiving.
- Strengthening the Care Economy
- The goal is to see sustainable growth in the care industry, with improved policies that create job security and fair wages for care workers.
- Driving Policy Changes for Care Workers
- The day also serves as a platform to advocate for legislation that protects the rights of care workers, ensuring they receive equal treatment, healthcare benefits, and recognition for their contributions.
- Enhancing Support Systems for All Caregivers
- The future vision includes robust support systems for caregivers, addressing their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Government programs and community initiatives can play a significant role in offering resources to aid caregivers.
Click Here: World Occupational Therapy Day 2024
Conclusion
The 2nd International Day of Care and Support 2024 stands as a global call to recognize and empower caregivers, whose contributions are foundational to resilient societies and economies. With events, discussions, and advocacy, this day invites everyone—from individuals to governments—to invest in a future where caregiving is appreciated, supported, and sustainable.
This year, as we celebrate the International Day of Care and Support, let us work together toward a world where caregiving is valued, and where those who give care can also feel supported and cared for.
FAQs
What is International Care Day?
International Day of Care and Support is an annual event observed on October 29 to raise awareness and promote support for caregiving roles globally. It emphasizes the importance of providing care to those in need and recognizing caregivers’ contributions.
What is the meaning of care and support?
Care refers to attention and assistance given to improve someone’s quality of life, while support involves offering resources or emotional backing to help someone maintain or regain well-being.
What is the purpose of the CARE International?
CARE International is a humanitarian organization focused on fighting global poverty and providing emergency relief. Its mission is to create a world of hope, tolerance, and social justice where poverty is eradicated.
Why is International Day celebrated?
International Days, like the Day of Care and Support, spotlight specific issues, encourage education, and inspire action among global communities.
What is a day care? (Short note)
Day care offers supervised care for children or adults during the day, usually providing support, structured activities, and social engagement.
What is meant by care and support?
Care involves meeting someone’s basic needs, like health or hygiene, while support includes any assistance that improves their physical or emotional condition.
What does provide care and support mean?
To provide care and support means offering help, both physical and emotional, to enhance someone’s health, comfort, and dignity.
What is the role of care and support?
The role is to ensure individuals’ health, well-being, and independence, fostering an environment where they feel safe, valued, and empowered.
What is the difference between care and support?
Care involves direct actions to meet needs, while support can be more flexible, offering assistance that promotes autonomy or provides resources.
Who needs care and support?
Those who are elderly, disabled, ill, or otherwise vulnerable often require care and support to maintain their well-being.
What is an example of care support?
An example is helping an elderly person with daily tasks like meal preparation, personal hygiene, or transportation to medical appointments.
How do you show care and support?
Listen actively, offer consistent help, provide emotional encouragement, and ensure that the person feels respected and valued.
What is a care and support plan?
A care and support plan is a personalized document detailing an individual’s specific needs and how they will be met, often including the resources required.
What is personal care and support?
This type of care involves assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
What is the meaning of caring and supportive?
Being caring involves showing kindness and consideration, while being supportive means being available to offer help when needed.
How do you deliver positive care and support?
Maintain a compassionate, respectful approach, tailor assistance to individual needs, and encourage autonomy whenever possible.
Why do carers need support?
Carers require emotional and practical support due to the physical and mental demands of caregiving, which can lead to burnout.
What does it mean to provide care and support?
It involves meeting the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals, promoting their quality of life and independence.
What is care, and example?
Care includes actions like feeding someone who cannot feed themselves, offering warmth, and providing a safe environment.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a carer?
A carer assists with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication, and emotional support, adapting care based on individual needs.
What is the purpose of care and support?
To enhance the well-being, dignity, and independence of individuals needing assistance.
Who requires care and support?
People of all ages facing physical, emotional, or health-related challenges may require varying levels of care and support.
What is the role of a support worker?
A support worker helps with daily living tasks, encourages independence, and offers companionship, adapting to meet each person’s needs.
What is the best definition of care?
Care is the provision of what is necessary for the health, well-being, and protection of someone or something.
What is called care?
Care is the act of providing attention and resources to support someone’s basic needs and well-being.
What is the full form of CARE?
CARE stands for Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, an organization focused on global aid and humanitarian relief.
What does full of care mean?
It describes someone who is highly attentive, considerate, and compassionate towards others.
What is the full meaning of support?
Support refers to giving assistance, encouragement, and resources to help someone reach a stable or improved state.
What is your means of support?
This term refers to the resources, like income or social backing, that enable someone to sustain themselves.
What is a better word than support?
Assistance, backing, or aid may be used, depending on the context.
Why does support mean?
Support signifies offering help or assistance, either emotionally, physically, or materially.
International Day of Care and Support 2024 theme
The theme for 2024 is expected to focus on inclusivity and the importance of community-driven care solutions.
International Day of Care and Support 2024
Celebrated on October 29, 2024, this day highlights the role of care and support in enhancing quality of life and community resilience.
International day of care and support activities
Activities may include workshops, public awareness campaigns, caregiver recognition events, and community support initiatives.
International Day of Care and Support theme
Each year, the theme changes to reflect the evolving priorities in caregiving and support, often focusing on empathy and community.
International Day of Care and Support date
This day is observed annually on October 29.
International Day of Care and Support in Hindi
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय देखभाल और समर्थन दिवस, celebrated on 29 अक्टूबर।
International Day of Caregivers
Similar to the International Day of Care and Support, this day honors caregivers and emphasizes the importance of their role.
International Day of Care and Support
This day focuses on recognizing and supporting caregiving roles worldwide.
Care and support examples
Examples include home health assistance, counseling, elder care, physical rehabilitation, and financial or legal aid.
International Day of Care and Support 2024 theme
The 2024 theme emphasizes community-based care, supporting caregivers, and innovative solutions in caregiving.
Examples of care and support needs
Examples include help with mobility, mental health support, companionship, meal preparation, and healthcare services.
Support for elderly living at home
Assistance may include home modifications, regular health check-ups, meal delivery services, and social interaction programs.
Support meaning in Hindi
समर्थन (Support) means to help or assist in Hindi.
Support Google
Support from Google might involve customer service assistance, access to resources, or technical help with Google products.
How to pronounce support
Pronounced as suh·pote.
Support someone
To support someone means to provide emotional, financial, or practical assistance to help them achieve stability or success.