Childcare scheme in Palestine to support women in workforce

Genesis, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, has laid the groundwork for the establishment of a model centre for affordable, high-quality childcare in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

The project aims to address the significant barrier that lack of childcare poses for women entering or remaining in the labour market.

The initiative included a comprehensive landscape assessment, the development of a business model and financing strategy, and the creation of training materials based on a capacity needs assessment and childcare needs in Palestine.

This centre is intended to serve as a replicable model for other communities, with training delivered by local representatives through a nationally certified course.

Lack of access to safe, affordable and high-quality childcare is a barrier preventing women from entering or remaining in the labour market. They often rely on support of other women in their family to care for their children. Alternatively, they take jobs that offer flexibility or proximity to home, even if these jobs do not match their qualifications and ambitions, and do not provide decent working conditions.

The model centre, envisaged as a cooperative or non-profit company, aims to provide a reliable childcare solution, enabling more women to participate fully in the labour market. Similar models have the potential to be implemented in other communities.