09/12/2025
WEEK-LONG ADVOCACY ON UNPAID CARE WORK
Faith Dawah Foundation (FDF) implemented a week-long advocacy campaign on Unpaid Care Work (UCW) as part of its commitment to promoting gender equality and community wellbeing. The campaign aimed to raise awareness on the essential but often invisible care roles performed by women and girls—such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving—and to encourage fair sharing of these responsibilities within households and communities.
Purpose of the Advocacy:
The initiative sought to highlight the economic value of unpaid care work, educate communities on how unequal care burdens limit women’s opportunities, promote gender-equitable norms, and inspire behavioral change among households. The advocacy particularly emphasized the need for men, boys, and community leaders to support and share caregiving roles.
Why Focus on Men and Boys:
Engaging men and boys was central to challenging traditional norms that label care work as solely women’s duty. Their involvement ensures sustainable change, reduces the household burden on women, and supports women’s participation in education, leadership, and income-generating activities. Reaching boys early also helps shape future generations that view caregiving as a shared responsibility, while men who understand UCW become strong allies in influencing community attitudes.
Activities Conducted:
FDF carried out community durbars, house-to-house sensitization, and street/market outreach.
Durbars engaged Imams, chiefs, elders, religious leaders, youth, and women’s groups, fostering dialogue on recognizing and fairly redistributing care work.
House-to-house visits enabled deeper, personalized discussions with families on shared caregiving practices.
Street and market advocacy targeted traders, artisans, transport workers, and the general public, broadening message reach and visibility.
Key Messages Shared:
“Care work is work,” “Sharing care is sharing opportunities,” “Responsible boys become responsible men,” and “A fair home is a stronger home.”
Outcomes:
The campaign increased community awareness of unpaid care burdens, encouraged supportive attitudes among men and boys, strengthened dialogue on gender roles, and enhanced partnerships with local leaders. The visibility of FDF's gender advocacy work also improved.
Challenges:
Some traditional beliefs slowed acceptance, limited resources affected outreach materials, and a few households required extended engagement for understanding.
Conclusion:
The week-long advocacy successfully promoted awareness and encouraged shared caregiving practices. By focusing on men and boys and engaging communities through multiple outreach strategies, Faith Dawah Foundation contributed significantly to shifting gender norms and advancing equitable, empowered households Plan International Ghana NETRIGHT-Ghana
