This module exposes participants to the concept of unpaid work first introduced in Module 1. It explores how unpaid work might be considered – or ignored – in policy making. A subsidiary aim of this module is to highlight common weaknesses and errors in how economic and social statistics are gathered and presented. The module suggests general guidelines for policy making regarding unpaid work. The module also offers reflections on whether or not, and how, unpaid care work can be measured or valued.

The Global Gender and Economic Policy Management Initiative (GEPMI) is a comprehensive capacity development and policy advisory services programme that aims to help economic policies and poverty reduction strategies deliver results equitably to women and men, girls and boys. In Asia and the Pacific, three-week courses on Gender-Responsive Economic Policy Management, which provided hands-on skills to middle-level government planning officials, parliamentary staff and civil society organization, were held in 2012-2013. The course consisted of twelve modules addressing the most critical gender issues in all aspects of economic development in Asia and the Pacific. The modules can be used as a complete set to run a full-scale course. They can also be used individually, tailored for immediate and specific capacity development and policy advisory support to meet a country’s particular needs.

Governments interested in a specific capacity building or policy advisory service can contact UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (registry.th@undp.org) for immediate support.