FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2022
Contact: William Lutz | lutz@iwpr.org | (202) 684-7534
Event Hosted by Institute for Women’s Policy Research, American University, Carework Network
Washington, D.C. — Two years into the pandemic, and as the nation debates how to address the care crisis, this event is bringing together key experts and advocates to explore critical issues and policy proposals for rebuilding the nation’s care industry and tackling racial inequities. The event, “The US Care Infrastructure: From Promise to Reality”, is hosted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), American University, and Carework Network today. The conference brings together academic researchers with federal and state level policymakers, researchers, and advocates.
“We are very excited to have so many thought leaders joining us to explore real solutions to the challenges facing the care industry and care givers today,” said IWPR President and CEO C. Nicole Mason. “Child care and elder care are vital issues for American families and we hope our event will serve as a catalyst for positive change that will have a real-world impact for Americans.”
“Care is at the core of gender and economic inequality, but too often ignored in mainstream economics and research. This collaboration with the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and the Carework Network is so important because it encourages research and policy that centers the well-being of women and other under-represented groups,” said Mieke Meurs, Professor of Economics, American University and Co-Director of the Program for Gender Analysis in Economics.
The conference will feature over 50 noted experts on U.S. care infrastructure convening in two plenary sessions and multiple workshops to address racial and gender equity and care, including paid leave policies, care for older adults and people with disabilities, child care, and efforts to support quality care jobs.
Plenary 1 “The Care Infrastructure Post-COVID: Taking Stock” — Friday, March 4 at 11:00am
Gary Barker (Promundo); Melissa Boteach (National Women’s Law Center), Lina Bracero (Service Employees International Union), Mignon Duffy (University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Carework Network), Jocelyn Frye (National Partnership for Women and Families), and Elaine Maag (Urban Institute).
Plenary 2 “The Care Infrastructure Post-COVID-19: Moving Ahead” — Saturday, March 5 at 12:45pm
Wendy Chun-Hoon (Women’s Bureau), Professor Nancy Folbre (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Josie Kalipeni (Family Values@ Work), and Carolyn Pincus (American Sustainable Business Council).
Ultimately, the conference will serve as a space to collectively assess and push policy development and research on care in the United States, drawing on international experiences and examples.
Learn more about the conference, the program and speakers here.
###
