Making a Case for Universal Childcare in Barbados

A recent report by UN Women highlights the urgent need for public investment in universal childcare in Barbados, offering a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and challenges of expanding childcare services. The report explores how increased access to affordable, high-quality childcare can reduce gender inequality, enhance child development, and support economic growth.

Barbados currently faces significant gaps in childcare provision, with public centres operating at full capacity and long waitlists, while private childcare services remain unaffordable for many families. This situation disproportionately impacts low-income households and women, limiting their participation in the workforce and perpetuating economic inequality.

The study evaluates various policy options, including expanding public childcare capacity and subsidizing private services. Simulation analyses reveal that public investment in childcare yields significant economic and social benefits, including increased labor force participation, reduced poverty, and improved gender equality. The report also underscores the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms, such as progressive fee structures and partnerships with private sector employers, to achieve universal childcare access.

By aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, poverty reduction, and quality education, the report makes a compelling case for prioritizing childcare as a cornerstone of social infrastructure in Barbados. Learn more about how universal childcare could transform the future of families and communities in Barbados.

Note:

All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.