Early Childhood Education and Care from a Gender Perspective

Early childhood interventions are often seen as beneficial for child development but tend to overlook the impact on women, both as unpaid family caregivers and as childcare workers. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages a holistic approach to these
issues, aligning with the 17 SDGs, especially those related to unpaid care, education, and decent work. However, policies often segregate these goals into different spheres, influencing early childhood education and care (ECEC) program design and its implications for women’s rights. Despite global and national divides, examples from Chile, Ecuador, and
Tamil Nadu show potential for creating gender responsive ECEC services. Rather than prescribing universal policies, global initiatives should foster local debate and experimentation to develop solutions that advance rights for women and children.

Staab, Silke (2018). “Early Childhood Education and Care from a Gender Perspective.” Early Childhood and Development Work.