CDS Africa Summits Call for Recognition of Unpaid Care Work for Carers of Children with Developmental Disabilities in Ghana

The Africa Center for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development (CDS Africa) has shed light on the need to promote and recognize unpaid care work, particularly among caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Ghana.

This follows an unpaid care work conference held in Accra by CDS Africa, in partnership with Songtaba and the Center for Learning and Childhood Development Ghana (CLCD) where the conference adopted a mixed method approach, combining surveys, photovoice, and group discussions with caregivers, policymakers, and civil society actors, while engaging a steering committee to guide the process and strengthen advocacy. It aims to produce practical, evidence-based recommendations to reduce unpaid care work and improve the quality of life for families.

Speaking to the media, the Director of Research at CDS Africa, Madam Abena Boateng, emphasized that the burden of unpaid care work falls predominantly on women and girls. She noted that caregiving responsibilities for children with developmental disabilities often lead to high levels of stress, loss of income, and social exclusion.

She further explained that the key objectives of the initiative are to examine the scale and impact of unpaid care work, assess the effectiveness of inclusive education policies, and develop practical, evidence-based policy solutions.

Additionally, Madam Boateng stated that the agenda seeks to highlight the economic value of unpaid care work, as well as its social and psychological costs, while also exploring the benefits of support mechanisms such as health insurance coverage and respite care services.

Madam Abena Boateng further called on the government, non-governmental organizations, and the general public to support the project being implemented by CDS Africa in partnership with Songtaba and the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development Ghana (CLCD). She noted that the initiative is focused on drawing national attention to the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of children with developmental disabilities in Ghana.

Also speaking at the Unpaid Care Work Conference in Accra, Professor Kwame Sakyi, Director of the Center for Learning and Childhood, called for a shift in societal perceptions of disability. He emphasized the importance of embracing persons with disabilities in all aspects of life and actively nurturing and empowering them to attain positions of prominence.