Barbadians are being urged to rethink what caregiving really means, with Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Adrian Forde insisting that showing up for family and community goes far beyond financial support.
He was speaking at the Bureau of Gender Affairs’ Pledge The Commitment Share The Care initiative, held at the Warrens Office Complex in St Michael recently.
Forde opened with what he described as a guiding mantra for the campaign.
“I share with kindness, I give with love, and I care for others,” he said, adding that the philosophy captured the essence of the ministry’s work.
He pointed out that care did not require wealth or grand gestures, noting that something as simple as time, conversation or a listening ear could change a life.
“Sharing and caring is the giving of one’s self value in an unreserved way,” he added.
The minister said the campaign, officially launched by the Bureau of Gender Affairs in 2025, was especially targeted at encouraging men to play a greater role in nurturing young people, adding that “caring goes far beyond financial assistance”.
He cited the Family Leave Act, which came into effect on June 1, 2025, as a landmark piece of legislation redefining fatherhood in Barbados.
“It represents a significant shift in how we value family. It acknowledges that fathers are not merely providers. They are nurturers, caregivers, role models and equal partners in raising the next generation.”
Citing 2024 research, Forde highlighted stark gender disparities in caregiving. The survey found that women in Barbados spend nearly two-and-a-half times more time caring for children, and almost three times more time on domestic health care work than men.
Addressing men directly, he urged them to embrace their nurturing role without hesitation.
“It does not emasculate you to cuddle your little one at night,” he said.
He also spoke of a “care society” as a concept gaining traction globally, describing caregiving as more than a private matter.
“It is an economic issue. It is a social issue. It is a public health issue and, fundamentally, a gender equal issue.”
Several organisations, including the Barbados Association of Retired Persons, Men’s Empowerment Network, the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank, signed the pledge in support of the initiative. (DDS)
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