The Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, is planning to form a Working Group on Care in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a platform for individuals and organizations interested in advancing the care agenda. It will include representatives from diverse sectors, such as government bodies, NGOs, scholars, students, and civil society activists from the region. Members will actively participate in various discussions and events, both online and in-person, aimed at fostering dialogue within the MENA care working groups.
This initiative falls under framework of Global Alliance for Care (GAC). GAC is convened by the Government of Mexico and UN Women, is a key initiative arising from the Generation Equality Forum. Stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and civil society groups, commit to concrete actions from 2021-2026. Their focus is on recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work, ensuring fair remuneration and representation for care workers. The Alliance aims to empower women economically, establish comprehensive care systems, transform gender roles, expedite post-COVID-19 economic recovery, and advance gender equality.