As part of our continuous commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in Ghana, ROBBFOUNDATION participated in today's conference on Unpaid Care Work and Disability Inclusion organised by CLCD ,CDS and partners. The conference forms a pivotal part of ongoing research and advocacy efforts to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work, which is borne primarily by women and girls caring for children with developmental disabilities.

Our participation aligned with our organizational mission of promoting inclusive education, social justice, and gender equality through evidence-based advocacy and multi-stakeholder engagement.

As a representative stakeholder, ROBBFOUNDATION made key inputs during the discussions, emphasizing the following:

1. Evidence from the Field
Shared case studies from our programs that highlight the economic and emotional strain experienced by caregivers of children with Down syndrome in Ghana.

Presented insights on how the lack of support systems contributes to caregiver burnout, financial instability, and reduced access to education for children with disabilities.

2. Policy Recommendations
Advocated for policies that recognize, value, and reduce unpaid care work through targeted interventions such as caregiver stipends, social protection measures, and access to community-based childcare support.

Called for the integration of disability-sensitive perspectives into Ghana’s gender equality and social protection frameworks.

3. Inclusive Education and Empowerment
Highlighted the urgent need to expand inclusive education policies that reduce caregiver workload while ensuring children with disabilities access quality education.

Proposed skill development and livelihood support programs for mothers of children with developmental disabilities to strengthen economic independence.

Unpaid care work disproportionately affects women and girls, creating gender inequalities and limiting economic participation.

There is strong momentum among stakeholders to mainstream caregiver support into national policy frameworks.

Multi-sectoral collaboration is essential for sustainable solutions, combining education, health, social protection, and labor market reforms.

ROBBFOUNDATION’s active participation in this conference reinforced our role as a key stakeholder in advocating for children with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers. By contributing evidence, practical recommendations, and alliance-building strategies, we have advanced the collective effort toward policies that ease caregiver burdens, enhance inclusive education, and promote gender equality and social justice in Ghana.

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