Trade unions affiliated to Public Services International (PSI) made visible the main issues faced by women workers in social care services during the event "Care as a right: challenges to guarantee decent work", held on October 29, 2025 in Bogota, in the framework of the Day of Care and Support.

The activity, jointly organized by the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia (CUT), the Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia (CTC), the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), affiliated unions, FES Colombia and PSI, with the support of the International Labor Organization (ILO), focused on the need to recognize care as a human right and to move towards decent working conditions as a fundamental axis for the strengthening of public care services. The meeting reflected on the link between care, social justice and the obligations of States to guarantee labor rights in this highly feminized and precarious sector.

The central panel, entitled "The right to care and paid care workers" and moderated by Susana Barría, PSI Andean sub-regional secretary, brought together PSI member union representatives from different areas of care. Fabio Melo, from SINDISTRITALES, addressed the challenges in the care of the elderly; Daissy Duarte, from SINTRADISTRITALES and FECOTRASERVIPÚBLICOS, reflected on care and support for people with disabilities; and Xiomara García Palacios, from SUNET, referred to the care of people in situations of social fragility.

In addition, the panel made visible the reality of paid care workers, whose work is essential for collective well-being, but who often face precariousness, low salaries and lack of social protection. The debate also incorporated the perspectives of early childhood care, health and domestic work, with interventions by María Cecilia Ramírez Gualteros (UTRADEC), Yenny Liliana Ruiz (ANTHOC) and Ana Salamanca, representing the International Domestic Workers Federation.

During the event, the implications of the recent advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which recognizes care as an autonomous right and establishes clear obligations for States to guarantee it, were analyzed. Also discussed were the labor challenges faced by paid care workers in sectors such as domestic work, health, care for people with disabilities, the elderly and vulnerable populations, highlighting the key role of collective bargaining in moving towards decent work.

The activity was attended by close to 100 people and was followed live by more than 800 attendees. The full event can be reviewed online, along with a report that includes the main points of the debate, available below.