ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL2.GPID/2025/TP.8
Country: Arab region, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Bahrain, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanese Republic, Sultanate of Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: Gender Justice, Population and Inclusive Development
Focus Area: Gender equality, Inclusive development, Future of employment
Initiatives: Reducing inequalities, Job creation, Women’s economic empowerment, Arab Digital Inclusion Platform, Including persons with disabilities in the labour market, Realizing the rights of persons with disabilities, Care systems for women’s economic participation
SDGs: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Ageing persons, Algeria, Arab countries, Bahrain, Care of ageing persons, Caregivers, Continuing education, Djibouti, Egypt, Gender equality, Government policy, Health policy, Women's employment, Informal sector, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Persons with disabilities, Policy making, Saudi arabia, Social security, State of palestine, Sudan, Syrian arab republic, Tunisia, United arab emirates, Unpaid work, Yemen
Caregivers in the policy framework for older persons and persons with disabilities: A call for recognition and action
August 2025
This paper examines the potential for strengthening policy frameworks related to older persons and persons with disabilities in the Arab region, with a focus on enhancing outcomes for caregivers. While existing strategies primarily address the health, economic security and social participation of care recipients, they also emphasize family support, intergenerational solidarity, inclusive environments and protection from violence. These policy areas offer a solid foundation for further development but often fall short in acknowledging the critical role of caregivers – particularly women, who disproportionately shoulder care responsibilities – and the support they require.
Expanding these frameworks to explicitly recognize and safeguard the rights and well-being of caregivers represents a key opportunity for policy advancement. Caregivers are frequently overlooked in national strategies, despite bearing significant responsibility that exposes them to economic vulnerability and social exclusion. Integrating caregiver needs into ageing and disability policies through a rights-based, gender-sensitive approach would not only enhance the effectiveness of care systems but also contribute meaningfully to gender equality.
Related content
Gender equality, Inclusive development, Future of employment
This paper examines the potential for strengthening policy frameworks related to older persons and persons with disabilities in the Arab region, with a focus on enhancing outcomes for caregivers. While existing strategies primarily address the health, economic security and social participation of care recipients, they also emphasize family support, intergenerational solidarity, inclusive environments and protection from violence. These policy areas offer a solid foundation for further development but often fall short in acknowledging the critical role of caregivers – particularly women, who disproportionately shoulder care responsibilities – and the support they require.
Expanding these frameworks to explicitly recognize and safeguard the rights and well-being of caregivers represents a key opportunity for policy advancement. Caregivers are frequently overlooked in national strategies, despite bearing significant responsibility that exposes them to economic vulnerability and social exclusion. Integrating caregiver needs into ageing and disability policies through a rights-based, gender-sensitive approach would not only enhance the effectiveness of care systems but also contribute meaningfully to gender equality.
