Informal education must be recognized, parents better supported
05.07.20
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - At the meeting with the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, MMM drew attention to how, In the context of the pandemic and imposed lockdown, the demand for unpaid care work and informal education has increased and reinforced pre-existing gender inequalities in sharing this essential work.
Share
Share
Share
Print
EmailBefore the lockdowns, parents, in particular mothers, were already facing difficulties raising their children under proper conditions, often juggling between their educational responsibilities and their need to make a living.
With widespread school closures, added unpaid childcare provision has disproportionally fallen on mothers. A British sociologist from Kent University even refers to a “return of the 1950’s housewife”. Home schooling has also put an additional strain on mothers.
Mélanie Nédélec delivering the Statement on behalf of MMM
In addition to the health crisis, the economic hardship brings uncertainties and fears, which can feed discrimination and xenophobia. In this instance, informal education in the family is crucial. It is indeed within the family that life-skills are learned, and that the transmission of values such as respect and tolerance takes place.
In conclusion, MMM called on Member States to recognize the important role of informal education, and to support parents, especially mothers, by enabling them to fulfill this role under proper conditions.
MMM Oral Statement for download
MMM delivered its during the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, which took place on 3rd July during the 44th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
MMM welcomes first ever Human Rights Council resolution on Care
11.10.23
UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - Entitled ‘Centrality of care and support from a human rights perspective’, this landmark resolution was presented by the governments of Argentina, Iceland, Mexico
Mothers, unpaid care work and global crises – connecting the dots
02.07.24
UN New York / HLPF - Register now to join us online at this year’s High Level Political Forum side-event.
Call to action: make 2024 the EU year for Women’s Mental Health
09.10.23
In June this year, the European Union (EU) Commission announced a new high-priority initiative to address the mental health of all Europeans.
