KLANG, March 31 — The Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030 (DEPNS) will strengthen family economics, specifically by empowering women’s role in the care sector, state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari.
She said the policy recognises the role of carers, especially women, as important components of the state’s economic development, adding that it supports women to remain or go back to the formal care sector, which supports family well-being.
“Working women need a safe, quality care system for their children, so a care sector that is majority-women should be dignified.
“To ensure women remain in the formal (care) sector, we must also recognise women’s contribution in the informal sector,” she said during a Women’s Month celebration at the Klang Royal City Council’s (MBDK) Dewan Hamzah here today.
Anfaal also urged women to assume their role as their families’ financial planners, especially as prices may climb amid global economic uncertainties.
She said the COVID-19 pandemic proved that global crises directly impact familial institutions, thus economic and mental preparedness is important.
“Household matters aren’t merely centred in the kitchen, but encompass financial planning and one’s ability of being a buffer for their families’ economic pressures.
“Global crises eventually reach our dining tables, so women must ensure their families are prepared for any challenge,” Anfaal added.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari previously said Selangor is the first state to launch a specific policy for the care economy ahead to prepare for an ageing society.
He said the policy focuses on five cores — advocacy and promotion, governance and oversight, care workforce development, investment and cooperation, and innovation, technology and data.
The DEPNS covers the care of senior citizens, children, and people with disabilities, and supports formal and informal carers.
