Centering Care in the MENA Region: Insights from the Webinar Series

The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship concluded its “Centering Care in the MENA Region” Webinar Series on February 29, 2024. The series brought together experts and activists to discuss the intersection of care, gender, and policy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, highlighting the systemic challenges and the need for comprehensive reforms.

Dr. Hadeel Qazzaz discussed how privileged perspectives of decision-makers often hinder the integration of gender and care into political discourse, despite activists’ persistent efforts to push for its recognition. Zeina Mezher from the ILO emphasized the urgent need for political will to reform the Kafala system, highlighting the critical roles that grassroots organizations and the ILO play in driving change. Dr. Inaya Ezzedine highlighted how crises like COVID-19 exacerbate women’s vulnerability, leading to job losses, and stressed the importance of implementing protective care policies. Yara Trabulsi from the Global Alliance for Care called for collaboration through the 5 Rs of Care—recognize, redistribute, reduce, reward, and represent—particularly in conflict and migration contexts. Finally, Lamia Moubayed advocated for economically valuing care and called for universal social protection, urging collaboration among civil society, academia, and policymakers to achieve this goal.

Ultimately, the webinar series highlighted the critical need for care to be recognized, valued, and integrated into policy frameworks in the MENA region.

Missed it?

Watch the full recordings here: