Moot sheds light on Pakistan's care economy

UN Women in partnership with NCSW launched "Transforming Care Systems: A Roadmap for Economic Growth and Social Equity in Pakistan" to underscore the critical role of the care economy in shaping the country's future. The two-day dialogue brings together diverse stakeholders to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and define priorities for building a sustainable care economy — one that advances gender equality, strengthens social equity, and drives long-term economic growth.

The two-day multi-stakeholder forum convenes government representatives from different provinces, development partners, civil society, the private sector and academia to engage in dialogue on advancing Pakistan's care economy.

As a key outcome, the forum will produce a policy paper consolidating the insights, recommendations, and priorities identified during the two days. This paper will serve as the foundation for developing Pakistan's first Care Economy Roadmap, guiding future reforms, investments, and partnerships to strengthen care systems nationwide.

In addition, the sessions highlight the dual dimensions of unpaid and paid care work, with particular attention to addressing gendered social norms that limit women's opportunities, and the intersection of care with climate resilience. The agenda also examines national commitments on care and lessons learned from global and regional experiences, with the aim of developing actionable priorities that will inform Pakistan's first Care Economy Roadmap.

In her opening remarks, NCSW Acting Chair Umme Laila Azhar, underlined the urgent need for systemic change.