United Nations presents findings of the programme on care, disability and gender equality in Panama

^{Representatives of UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNDP, together with government authorities and civil society representatives, at the closing event of the project “Unpaid Care, Disability and a Transformative Gender Approach.” Photo courtesy of the United Nations Population Fund.} 

The United Nations System in Panama presented the findings of the programme Unpaid Care, Disability and a Transformative Gender Approach, an initiative implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality (UN Women), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to contribute to strengthening an inclusive National Care System, with an emphasis on persons with disabilities, their families, and those who perform care work. 

The programme, funded by the Global Disability Fund and developed with the support of the Ministry of Social Development and the National Secretariat for Disability, is part of a pioneering initiative present in five countries: Panama, Colombia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. During its implementation, evidence was generated, institutional and community capacities were strengthened, and tools were developed to guide public care policies with a human rights, gender equality, and inclusion approach. 

Among the programme’s main contributions to the country is the development, with UNDP support, of a national care map that makes it possible to identify and georeference where people who require care and support are located, as well as the services available to assist them. As part of this effort, a total of 3,373 care centers nationwide were mapped and georeferenced, including services for early childhood, older persons, and persons with disabilities, providing key information to better guide public policies, optimize resources, and expand access to services where they are most needed. In addition, more than 40 legal and public policy documents related to care and disability were compiled and analyzed, and the experiences of 376 paid and unpaid caregivers, including women with disabilities, in Panama, Chitré, as well as in San Miguelito, were incorporated. Thanks to this joint work, it was possible to identify challenges, needs, and opportunities that will serve as a basis for strengthening the care system and promoting more inclusive and equitable care. 

^{Representatives of the United Nations, government authorities, and civil society participated in the presentation of the results of the programme “Unpaid Care, Disability and a Transformative Gender Approach,” implemented by UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA to strengthen a more inclusive National Care System in Panama. Photo courtesy of the United Nations Population Fund.} 

UN Women, in partnership with the Specialized University of the Americas (UDELAS), implemented a 192-hour diploma programme that strengthened the capacities of 100 caregivers in the provinces of Chiriquí, Panamá Oeste, and Panamá, with an emphasis on caring for persons with disabilities and dependent older adults. This initiative contributed to the recognition, valuation, and professionalization of care work, promoting a more equitable distribution of responsibilities between women and men and strengthening the economic autonomy of caregivers. In addition, workshops were held with more than 161 public officials and representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities on regulatory frameworks, human rights, gender equality, and care with a transformative gender approach, contributing to capacity strengthening for the design and implementation of more inclusive, accessible, and people-centered care policies and services. 

UNICEF supported the National Government in gaining a better understanding of the realities and needs of children and adolescents with disabilities and their families and in transforming them into concrete responses through public social services. Based on evidence generation and joint work with national institutions, actions were promoted to bring social services, early childhood development, education, and protection closer to those who need them most. In Panamá Oeste and in the Emberá-Wounaan Comarca, the initiative made it possible to identify and connect more than 500 children and adolescents with these services. In addition, a practical toolkit was developed to strengthen the capacities of social workers, teachers, and local authorities in order to provide more inclusive, closer, and child-centered care, as well as care focused on those who care for them. 

Within the framework of this inter-agency effort, UNFPA has led a process to make visible and address the violence experienced by women with disabilities in Panama, promoting a highly participatory national study together with civil society, public institutions, and the disability communities themselves. This technical commitment was put into practice in the district of La Chorrera, Province of Panamá Oeste, through the design and implementation of a pilot plan that adapts the Essential Services Package for women with disabilities who are victims and survivors of gender-based violence, promoting accessible spaces within local governments and the specialization of protection services so that no woman is left beyond the reach of justice and her rights are guaranteed. 

According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census, Panama has 4,064,784 inhabitants. Of this total, 720,678 people (18%) may require care and 173,079 people (4.3%) have some type of disability. At least 28,248 are children with disabilities, of whom more than 3,000 are currently outside the education system. 

About the Global Disability Fund

The Global Disability Fund is a global partnership that brings together United Nations entities, governments, organizations of persons with disabilities, and civil society to promote the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide.

About UNDP

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change and connect partners and counterparts with the knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.

For more information: Tilcia Delgado

Tel: 6379-4710

Tilcia.delgado@undp.org

About UN Women

UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women globally. In collaboration with governments and civil society organizations, UN Women works to ensure that policies and programs supporting women’s rights and gender equality are implemented.

For more information: Juan Rangel Barranco

Tel: +507 6090-8529

juan.rangel@unwomen.org

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information: Clara Inés Luna Tel: +507 6493-1656 E-mail: cluna@unicef.org

About UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations agency responsible for sexual and reproductive health. Our mission is to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person reaches their full potential.

For more information: Yannisse Vergara Tel: +507 6151-3807 E-mail: yvergara@unfpa.org