The Indispensable Role of Unpaid Care Workers in Early Childhood Development in Africa

This article examines the critical role of unpaid care workers in early childhood development (ECD) across Africa, highlighting their indispensable contributions despite facing systemic challenges. These caregivers, predominantly women, provide essential nurturing and support during children’s formative years, yet they often lack access to resources, training, and formal recognition (ILO, 2023; APHRC, 2023). The gender disparities in unpaid care work are pronounced, with women shouldering a disproportionate burden that restricts their participation in formal education and employment (Stats SA, 2021). The study reviews existing interventions, focusing on the work of organisations like the Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU). ELRU provides comprehensive support to caregivers through home visiting, early learning playgroups, and centre-based services, enhancing cognitive development and building caregiver capacity (ELRU, 2022). To strengthen these efforts, the article proposes several recommendations. Collaborative partnerships between ELRU and other stakeholders can amplify impact by addressing systemic issues such as unpaid stipends for ECD centres (LRC, 2024). Policy advocacy is crucial for reforming policies to benefit unpaid care workers, including their inclusion in the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and tax benefits for childcare expenses (Harambee, 2023).