Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to enhancing caregiving support is highlighted through initiatives such as the ‘Care Providers Allowance’, introduced in October 2021 and aims to ease the responsibilities of caregivers, ensuring a higher quality of care for those in need, Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh said.
She said this in a pre-recorded speech delivered during the 3rd ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Vientiane, Laos on Friday.
Themed ‘Strengthening the Care Economy and Resilience Towards the ASEAN Community Post-2025’, the summit emphasised the crucial role, potential and strength of women leaders and all women across ASEAN in shaping the future of the region.
In addition, Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah underlined the importance of investing in social care service infrastructure, including the development of a framework such as ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy (ACFCE), to reduce unpaid work.
Brunei’s volunteers play a crucial role in supporting care work, bridging gaps in formal care systems and providing support to individuals and communities, she added.
The minister also said, “Recognising women in the care economy and acknowledging their indispensable contribution and potential, are crucial to build a stronger, more compassionate, productive and sustainable ASEAN.”
Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah applauded the summit for the continued support towards the ACFCE, developed during the Sultanate’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2021, and welcomed the progress towards an ‘ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Fostering Resilience Towards the Post-2025 ASEAN Community’.
