Care work is an often invisible but absolutely essential part of our societies. Whether it’s the care of children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, the importance of caregiving has long been undervalued and overlooked. In recent years, however, there has been a growing movement to change this narrative, led by passionate activists and researchers advocating for better support, recognition, and policy reform for caregivers. Among these advocates are three remarkable women who are driving forward care research and activism: Coco Diaz, Maya, and Adela, which mentioned by Ethel. Their work is not only shedding light on the critical role of care but also pushing for systemic change to ensure a better future for caregivers and their families.

Care is About Relationships

At the heart of care work is the idea of relationships. Care is not just about tasks or services; it’s about the deep human connections formed between caregivers and those they care for. It’s a reciprocal dynamic, built on trust, empathy, and shared experience. Activists emphasize that care is relational. When we think about care, we must consider the people involved—caregivers, families, communities—and how they interact with each other within broader social systems.

These relationships extend beyond the immediate interactions between caregiver and care recipient. They are embedded in policies, economies, and cultures that shape how care is delivered and valued. That’s why changing policies surrounding care work is so critical. It’s about more than just increasing wages or improving working conditions. It’s about transforming how society values caregiving as a whole. This shift requires not just a change in laws or policies but in the way we view caregiving, from a task to a profession, worthy of respect and support.

Care Activism: Fighting for Caregivers and Families

Care activism is the backbone of this movement for change. Activists are advocating for better systems of support for caregivers and their families. They are fighting for the recognition that caregiving is not just a private responsibility but a societal one. We must ask: How do we ensure that those who provide care—often women and marginalized groups—are not only supported financially but also emotionally and professionally? How do we address the systemic issues that prevent caregiving from being sustainable and equitable?

These activists are not just raising awareness—they are organizing for action. The distinction between activists and organizers is important here. While all activists are committed to advocating for change, organizers are those who mobilize people, build communities, and push for structural changes. Coco, Maya, and Adela are leading by example, mobilizing communities of caregivers, policymakers, and researchers to create the shifts necessary for a more sustainable caregiving system.

The Role of Research in Shaping the Future of Care

The work of Coco Diaz, Maya, and Adela is also grounded in research. They are using their platforms to conduct important studies on the realities of caregiving, from the physical and emotional toll it takes on caregivers to the economic and policy barriers that prevent caregiving from being a sustainable career. Through their research, they are generating critical data that can inform policy changes and shed light on areas that need improvement.

The research they conduct is not just academic—it is deeply connected to real-world issues. It’s about making the invisible visible and ensuring that the stories of caregivers are heard in decision-making spaces. These researchers are creating a framework for understanding care work that goes beyond individual experiences and looks at broader societal structures.

A Call for Change: "Good Enough to Work, Good Enough to Stay"

One of the most powerful messages from care activists and researchers is the idea that caregiving should be “good enough to work, good enough to stay.” This phrase encapsulates the belief that care work should not be something that individuals are expected to simply sacrifice for. Caregivers should be able to do their jobs with dignity, knowing that their work is valued and their personal needs are met.

The idea is simple: if care work is essential enough to society’s functioning, then it should be supported with the same respect and resources as any other profession. Caregivers should have fair pay, access to healthcare, training, and job security. They should not be expected to choose between their own well-being and the well-being of others. The future of care is one where caregivers have the resources, recognition, and respect they need to do their jobs well and sustain them for the long term.

The Road Ahead: Building a Future for Caregivers

The road ahead is not easy. There are many challenges facing caregivers today, from underpaid labor to a lack of support in both public and private spheres. However, the work being done by activists and researchers like Coco Diaz, Philippine-born activist, is paving the way for a future where caregiving is a respected and sustainable career. Their work is part of a larger movement to transform how care is perceived and supported in our society.

If we are to build a future where caregiving is treated as essential work, we must continue to listen to and support those who are pushing for change. We must recognize the importance of care in our communities and take action to ensure that those who provide it are properly supported. The future of care is not just about policy—it’s about valuing relationships, prioritizing people, and building systems that allow caregivers to thrive.

Care work is not only about keeping people alive; it’s about helping them live well. Let’s make sure that caregivers are given the resources and respect they deserve so that they can continue doing this vital work with dignity and support.