Brazil debates care policies ahead of elections
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In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, political candidates are addressing care work, activities like childcare, elder care, and housework, as a key issue in upcoming elections.
In 2023, the national college entrance exam, the Enem, focused on the invisibility of care work done by women, prompting the federal government to create a national care policy.
This policy, built with input from twenty ministries, recognizes care as both work and a right, aiming to redistribute responsibilities between the state, families, communities, and individuals. Brazilian women disproportionately provide care, with Black women dedicating significantly more time to unpaid domestic and care work than white women. The government responded with the National Care Policy and a plan mobilizing around 25 billion reais (approximately 5 billion US dollars) from 2025 to 2027.
Both leading presidential candidates included care in their platforms, though with different approaches. Lula da Silva’s plan emphasizes strengthening the national policy and expanding public services like childcare. Rio de Janeiro has taken steps to implement this national framework, establishing an intersectoral committee and a state law recognizing the importance of a “care economy.” Local organizations and universities are also active, mapping care needs and advocating for policies.
The upcoming elections will determine whether candidates will prioritize and build upon this existing momentum, and how they will address inequalities in access to and provision of care.
