The National Care Conclave 2026 convened in Dhaka on Thursday, calling for stronger investment in the care economy as a pathway to expand jobs, increase women’s labor force participation and advance gender equality.
The conclave brought together government officials, development partners, policymakers, workers’ representatives, academics and civil society leaders. It was jointly organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO), UN Women and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Labor and Employment and Ministry of Social Welfare.
The event comes as Bangladesh seeks to raise women’s labor force participation to 50% by 2030. While participation has reached 42.6%, speakers said structural barriers persist, including unequal unpaid care work, underemployment, wage gaps and women’s concentration in informal jobs.
UN Women Bangladesh Country Representative Gitanjali Singh said investment in care systems is key to reducing inequality.
“The undervaluing and gendered division of care work—both unpaid and paid—is one of the biggest drivers of gender inequality,” she said.
She added, “Investing in care systems is a triple win for women, society and the economy.”
ILO estimates suggest that universal investment in care services could generate more than seven million decent jobs in Bangladesh by 2035.
Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, MP, Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Minister for Social Welfare, said empowering women is essential for economic growth.
“Empowering women is a macroeconomic necessity. By redefining care as a shared responsibility rather than a burden borne solely by women, we are unlocking the full potential of our workforce for national prosperity,” he said.
Farzana Sharmin, MP, State Minister for Social Welfare, said care must be formally integrated into national development planning.
“We must formally recognize the care economy as a cornerstone of development. Positioning care as a public priority ensures it becomes a dignified, professionalized sector that drives economic prosperity and empowers women across Bangladesh,” she said.
ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Max Tunon said care is being repositioned as a public policy priority.
“By transforming care from an invisible, private responsibility into a public policy priority, the government is unlocking a vital engine for economic prosperity and gender equality,” he said, adding that the ILO is committed to expanding childcare and long-term care services.
A high-level panel discussion, “From Commitment to Action: Advancing the Care Economy in Bangladesh,” examined policy pathways, with participation from senior government officials, the National Skills Development Authority, the Ministry of Finance, ADB and academics.
The conclave also featured an exhibition showcasing childcare, long-term care and training models in Bangladesh.
Three technical sessions focused on professionalizing care work, shifting care responsibilities toward state-supported systems through data-driven tools, and integrating labor protections such as paid leave and breastfeeding breaks.
Participants said these reforms are essential for improving working conditions, expanding decent jobs and advancing gender equality.
In his closing remarks, Hoe Yun Jeong, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, said the institution is ready to support reforms.
“We stand ready to support this important agenda through strengthening policy and institutional frameworks, supporting pilot investments that can be scaled up, and integrating care more systematically across our sector operations,” he said.
The conclave is expected to inform a national care policy framework aimed at expanding services, improving labor conditions and strengthening women’s economic participation in Bangladesh.
