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Childcare: India's Key to Unlocking Women's Potential
14 Jul
Summary
- Affordable childcare is vital for women's workforce participation.
- Unpaid care work is a major barrier for women entering skilling.
- UNDP works on innovative childcare models for urban poor communities.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India emphasizes that accessible and affordable childcare is crucial for increasing women's participation in the workforce and skilling programs. A UNDP study revealed that unpaid care responsibilities significantly hinder women from entering or remaining in the labor force and engaging in skill development.
UNDP is actively developing innovative childcare models, especially for poorer urban communities, to address this barrier. These models, such as cluster-based facilities, can also create formal employment in the care economy. Lusigi stresses that expanding skilling alone is insufficient without tackling structural issues like unpaid care.
Furthermore, skilling programs must align with available job opportunities and regional economic needs. Lusigi advocates for a broader assessment of skilling success, focusing on employment and productivity outcomes, not just enrollment numbers. This approach ensures training equips individuals for current and future job demands, considering advancements like AI and climate transition.
The challenge also extends to bridging the gap between digital connectivity and capability. Despite widespread mobile phone use among young Indians, basic digital skills remain a concern, necessitating a focus on building digital competencies for AI-driven and evolving industry needs.
