Care in Crisis: New Report
Participants of the first national workshop on care. Photo from IPS Cuba
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
One of the things that inspires us about working in Cuba is the tradition of approaching problems with rigor, creativity, and systemic analysis. Another is the tremendous vision and resilience of so many of the Cuban women we know. At the end of last week, a group of institutions published the results of the first national workshop on care studies in Cuba. The report reminds us how important a case study care in Cuba is for the international community. As our colleagues Bev Skeggs (UK) and Saida Ali (Kenya) reflected in a round table earlier this year, no country has solved the problem of care yet, but it is fascinating to think about a place, “where someone has actually taken the time to think about the infrastructure for care.” This week, we congratulate the participants of the workshop and feature their findings after a short report on the latest COVID-19 news.
Take care – Sarah, Justine, Mariakarla
Cuba and COVID-19
On Thursday night, Cuba reported 54 news cases of coronavirus, the highest count since May 1. Over the last two weeks, 29 Cubans who had recently returned from Venezuela have tested positive for COVID-19. Although this has not been officially reported, it is speculated that these patients were health professionals who had been stationed in the South American country, as independent travel to the island is suspended during the pandemic.
International Affairs
While the U.S. Secretary of State urged UN members not to support Cuba’s bid to join the organization’s human rights council, the island received acclaim from former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who denounced the U.S.’s attacks on Cuba’s medical assistance to countries affected by COVID-19. On Monday, the Group of Cuban Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries (BioCubaFarma) announced a new joint venture with British SG Innovations Limited. On Wednesday, Cuba delivered medicines to Vietnam to help fight COVID-19 there.
Care: Lessons and Proposal from the Social Sciences
In February of this year, 49 participants from Cuban institutions – led by the Sociology department at the University of Havana – came together for the first national workshop on care. The recently released results of the meetings offer a clear definition of “cuidados” (care), a strong case for why it is essential to rethink it, an analysis of opportunities and obstacles to the work, and a research and action agenda. In the boxes below, we share words from our colleague, Teresa Lara, on the importance of this work, and highlight findings from the report (adapted from the original Spanish).
Teresa Lara, PhD economist on why this workshop was important:
The workshop created space for participatory debate and reflection with different actors from the government, administration, academia, research, activism, NGOs, the different territories, communication experts, and international supporters. It facilitated the collective construction of the concept of care, positioning care as a requirement for sustaining life and recognizing that - although progress has been made in advancing care - it has been related to the protections of women in the labor force, without actually building a comprehensive system of care.
What do we Mean By Care?
When we refer to care we make reference to the work, paid or unpaid. that allows us to protect and support life, and achieve certain levels of well-being for the enjoyment of a decent life; not of a few people, but of all. Care constitutes, or should constitute, a citizen's right and duty. (…)Care has a relational character; its exercise and scope transcend the personal and family sphere and involves the entire social organization. It has, in addition, economic, social, cultural, legal, affective and emotional implications, among others.
Reasons to Re-think Care in Cuba
A rapidly aging population has placed the issue on the government’s agenda
Other age groups such as infants and adolescents are also in need of care for their adequate development and well-being
People with disabilities or who are sick have special care needs
Researches have shed light on the disparities in access and quality of care services based on age, gender, geographic area, income and skin color.
There’s a gender division of work that continues to perpetuate gender stereotypes and limits equitable distribution of care work both within the family and in public spaces.
Women dedicate more time to domestic and unpaid care work which restricts their chances to full social and economic participation.
Gender inequality in this context have an impact on reproductive decisions, women choosing to have less children
Care and self-care are two concepts in conflict, which requires an analysis from a gender perspective.
It is urgent to promote an approach of co-responsibility in care
People, mostly women, who have chosen this type of occupation need special attention due to the possible vulnerabilities of their rights.
Actions Identified to Move Toward an Integral Care System
Analyze and develop integral responses with a feminist, intersectional and interdisciplinary approach.
Promote training, specialization and sensitivity programs for both government officials and the general public.
Bet on a more open and effective dialogue between decision makers, specialists and the population.
Prioritize budget allocation for programs and actions that promote or guarantee care for life.
Make visible the socioeconomic and political importance of care in the media…
Evaluate in an integral and participatory way the policies and initiatives implemented by different actors (the State, market, families, communities, civil society organizations, among others)
Guarantee the protection of the rights of caregivers….
Take caregivers into account when making decisions and discussing policies, since they are often made invisible while playing an important role.
Calculate and make visible the economic contribution of care to the national GDP.
Take into account that social researches are fundamental to identify peculiarities of the different social and historic contexts, and for monitoring and evaluating the policies regarding care.
Coming next week - a look at the remarkable reforms and debates emerging in the food and agricultural sector in Cuba. In the meantime, visit CUSAN for a news update.