Care is fundamental to human wellbeing, social cohesion and economic resilience. From early childhood to old age, care sustains families, communities and economies—yet it remains undervalued, underfinanced and deeply gendered, with women carrying the greatest burden through both unpaid work and low‑paid care jobs. 

Caring for the Future analyses how care systems operate across Moldova, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Using a gender responsive, systems‑level approach, the report analyses unpaid and paid care work, assessing how legal frameworks, financing arrangements and service delivery models shape care quality, workforce conditions and access to support. It highlights the need for stronger legislation, sustainable financing and professionalised care services that address structural gender inequalities, ensure dignity and decent work for care workers, and guarantee high‑quality, accessible care for all care recipients, presenting actionable recommendations to strengthen inclusive and resilient care systems across Europe and Central Asia.