FEMALE EMPLOYMENT AND CARE ECONOMY IN TURKEY

Abstract

This paper examines gender employment impact of expanding the early childhood care and preschool education (ECCPE) sector in Turkey. Underinvestment in social care thus takes its toll on the country’s long-term economic potential through weakened labour force attachment, and diminished childhood development. This neglect of care economy projects reflects a gender bias in economic thinking as women are more represented in caring work. Investing in the care industries would generate increases in employment and add to growth, with a higher proportion going to women, as they would now be free to take up many of such jobs. It would also narrow the gender employment and earnings gaps. In addition, the government at various levels could start by eliminating gender bias in the laws; take necessary measures to establish, operate, and allocate funds for childcare facilities; come up with initiatives like reinstating and reviewing the laws mandating private sector employers to set up nurseries for both male and female staff and provide childcare services in the workplace.