Reimagining Care: A Journey into Care Work Advocacy
From September 23 to 25, 2024, Oxfam in Asia hosted the “Deepening Regional Advocacy on Care Learning Event” in Bangkok, Thailand. As an Oxfam Young Leader Fellow 2024, I was privileged to participate in this transformative gathering. Despite receiving the event schedule beforehand, I had only a vague idea of what to expect. I anticipated in-depth discussions on care work, particularly the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic labor borne by women—a topic I’ve long found compelling. This event promised not only a deep dive into the issue but also an opportunity to engage with participants from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, all in the vibrant setting of Bangkok.
A Promising Start
Arriving in Bangkok on September 22nd, I took the opportunity to explore the city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace and the bustling Chatuchak Market. While the sightseeing was refreshing, I did not yet connect with other participants. The next day, I arrived at the event feeling both excited and slightly anxious, as I had been tasked with taking detailed notes on discussions and decisions—a new experience for me in this context.
The venue, a beautiful and spacious hotel with vibrant surroundings, instantly lifted my spirits. Participants from various countries filled the room, adding to the dynamic energy. Introductions began with an icebreaker, followed by a collaborative session to set ground rules for the next three days. This structured approach reminded me of similar NGO events in Nepal, suggesting that such formats may be universally adopted.
Understanding Why Care Works Matters
The event opened with Oxfam outlining its focus on care work, particularly how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the unequal burden of unpaid domestic labor carried by women. While the term “care work” might be relatively new in advocacy spaces, the exploitation of women’s labor under patriarchal and capitalist systems has been long discussed. The pandemic, however, amplified global awareness of the issue, making it a critical area of focus for Oxfam and its partners.
Over three days, the event showcased the efforts of Oxfam, its country offices, and grant-supported organizations in South and Southeast Asia. A standout presentation was a documentary by India’s Gender Lab, which shed light on how societal norms pass the responsibility of unpaid care work from mothers to daughters, featuring poignant perspectives from adolescent girls.
Insights from the Event
he diversity of activities and approaches shared during the event was enlightening. Many initiatives focused on raising awareness, but I was particularly impressed by efforts that included men in the discussions—a vital step toward systemic change. The “Strengthening Partnerships and Collaborations” session on the second day stood out for its practical insights. This session explored how grantee organizations could work more effectively with Oxfam, emphasizing the importance of open communication, supportive environments, and flexibility in navigating challenges.
Another memorable moment was the “Journey Mapping on Self-Care” session, accompanied by soothing background music, which underscored the importance of self-care for advocates and practitioners in the field.
Reflections and Takeaways
While the event did not delve deeply into theoretical frameworks or strategies to address the root causes of care work inequalities, it offered valuable insights into the practical approaches Oxfam employs. The showcasing of tools and activities, coupled with video materials, provided an engaging way to learn about effective advocacy practices. However, some sessions felt repetitive, which could have been improved by diversifying the content or introducing more interactive formats.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was connecting with participants from different countries. Hearing their experiences and exchanging ideas enriched my understanding of care advocacy and broadened my regional perspective.
Looking Ahead
This learning event has left a lasting impression on me, deepening my understanding of the unequal responsibility of care work and the necessity for collective efforts to address this systemic issue. I am profoundly grateful to Oxfam in Asia for this opportunity, which has strengthened my resolve to advocate for care work equity.
As we continue this journey, the voices, stories, and shared experiences from Bangkok serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity in the fight for equality. Together, we can reimagine a world where care work is valued, shared, and celebrated.
