Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized that care work extends beyond a profession, describing it as a service to humanity, crucial for the well-being of children, older persons, and individuals with disabilities.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Rana, speaking at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Care Forum, highlighted the increasing demand for care work in Nepal, spanning from homecare to healthcare. She underscored its cultural significance, noting that care work ensures individual well-being throughout life stages, from childhood to old age. Minister Rana described living in a joint family and caring for each family member as fundamental to Nepali society.
The minister pointed out that despite its crucial role, care work remains undervalued, underserved, and underfunded, often overlooked in economic assessments. She noted that women primarily engage in unpaid and domestic work, which disproportionately hinders their participation in the economy and public life.
Minister Rana highlighted Nepal’s recognition of care services’ importance and its progressive steps in addressing these issues through government initiatives. She cited programs like Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Child Care Homes, Old Age Homes, Day Care Centers for the elderly, shelters for Persons with Disabilities, and Safe Houses for women and vulnerable groups.
She emphasized the incorporation of care into Nepal’s 16th periodic national plan as a step towards advancing gender equality. Despite this progress, she acknowledged challenges such as a lack of comprehensive policies, gender inequality, insufficient caregiver skill development, and limited investment in care infrastructure.
Minister Rana stated that care has multiplier effects on family, society, and the national economy, advocating for investment in the care economy as a pathway to economic growth and gender equality. She called for a multi-sectoral approach involving increased investment, policy development, capacity building, training, and awareness campaigns.
The minister expressed Nepal’s commitment to improving the care economy, seeking to learn from global best practices and collaborate with international partners. The event was attended by representatives from UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, UNICEF Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, and other dignitaries.