Why Care? Addressing Childcare for Better Jobs in the Water Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/lac/publication/why-care-addressing-childcare-for-better-jobs-in-the-water-sector-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean The Why Care? report makes the case for childcare as a strategic investment in the water sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), linked to better job and performance outcomes. As a first-of-its-kind, the study presents new, sector-specific evidence on how childcare demands shape employees’ work experiences and outlines actionable solutions for employers to support employee well-being and strengthen institutional performance, equity, and resilience. Drawing on primary data from seven water institutions and utilities in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru—including survey data from 1,204 employees (300 with children age 6 and under) and qualitative insights from over 240 focus group and interview participants—the study shows how unmet childcare needs influence employees’ participation, productivity, career trajectories, and workforce inclusion.