As the world observed the International Day of Care and Support on October 29, the spotlight turned toward an often-overlooked force driving economies and communities — care work. In Nigeria, that conversation took center stage at the GHS Media Parley, hosted by Global Health Strategies (GHS) in partnership with That Good Media, where thought leaders, advocates, and media professionals gathered to explore the theme “Centering Care: Unlocking Women’s Economic Power in Nigeria.”
Their message was clear: care work isn’t just a personal responsibility — it’s the invisible engine that keeps households, communities, and economies moving. Yet, it remains undervalued and largely unrecognized.
Care Work: The Untapped Powerhouse of Nigeria’s Economy
Opening the discussion, Adeola Alli, a multi-licensed pharmacist and Founder of OneHealth, painted a vivid picture of Nigeria’s care reality. Nearly 70% of care work — from childcare and eldercare to tending to the sick — goes unpaid, and most of it is done by women.
“The global care economy could add $11 trillion annually to the world’s GDP if properly valued,” she said. “Imagine what that could mean for Nigeria if we recognized caregiving as real work.”
Adeola’s call was powerful and practical: investing in care work is investing in national growth. Without structures that value and support caregivers, women’s financial independence remains limited, and the country’s economic potential stays untapped.
Her message summed it up perfectly:
“We must build an economy where care is capital — where every act of healing becomes a driver of wealth.”
Making Care Work Professional, Not Invisible
Amara Agbim, Founder of The Nanny Academy, has been leading a quiet revolution in the care sector. Through her academy, she’s training and certifying domestic and care workers, turning what’s often dismissed as “unskilled labor” into a recognized profession.
“Paid care work is essential, but it suffers from systemic undervaluation,” Amara explained. Many caregivers work long hours, often without contracts, social protection, or fair pay.
She emphasized that with structured training, fair compensation, and legal recognition, care work can evolve from informal labor to a respected, professional field — one that contributes visibly to Nigeria’s economy and empowers more women to thrive.
The Legal Gap: Why Nigeria Needs a National Care Policy
Crystal Ikanih-Musa, an International Lawyer and Global Policy Expert, brought attention to a critical gap — Nigeria currently has no national law addressing care work.
She called for policies that protect caregivers’ rights, establish fair labor standards, and integrate care into national economic planning.
“Without evidence-based laws that legitimize care jobs, the needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities will remain invisible,” she said.
Her point hit home: care isn’t just a private matter — it’s a public and economic priority.
Women at the Crossroads: Balancing Work and Care
From the workplace perspective, Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye, a Senior HR Professional, spoke candidly about the struggles women face balancing their careers with care responsibilities.
“Care is work in itself and should be treated as such,” she said. “It’s not a distraction — it’s a performance enabler.”
Ivie highlighted the need to end the guilt and stigma that many working women face when seeking help with childcare or domestic duties. Delegation, she argued, is both valid and necessary.
“We need to design more inclusive structures that enable women to succeed in both spaces — at home and in the workplace.”
Media: The Catalyst for Change
Wrapping up the conversation, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, Founder and CEO of That Good Media, reminded everyone of the power of storytelling. As moderator of the parley, she emphasized that media has the influence to shift narratives and drive policy.
“The stories we tell shape society,” she said. “If we keep raising awareness about the care industry’s value, policymakers will have no choice but to act.”
Centering Care for a Stronger Future
The GHS Media Parley was more than a discussion — it was a call to action. As Nigeria joined the world in marking the International Day of Care, one message stood out:
When we invest in care, we invest in women — and when we invest in women, we build stronger economies.
About Global Health Strategies (GHS)
Global Health Strategies (GHS) is a communications and advocacy agency working to drive lasting social change. With offices around the world, GHS partners with local and global stakeholders to design and implement impactful health initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities.
