In Bogotá, Colombia, a government initiative known as a "manzana del cuidado," or care block, is addressing the often-overlooked issue of unpaid care work predominantly performed by women. Located in a modest government building in the city's historic downtown, the care block offers a range of services aimed at both supporting caregivers and providing opportunities for their personal and professional development.

The program, as reported by Vox, provides childcare, educational programs, and recreational activities for children, freeing up caregivers' time. Simultaneously, it offers training and educational opportunities for the caregivers themselves, aiming to empower them and provide pathways to economic independence.

Rachel Cohen Booth, a senior policy correspondent for Vox, described the care block as a "different kind of revolution," highlighting its focus on valuing and supporting unpaid care work. The initiative recognizes that this work, which includes childcare, elder care, and household management, is essential to the functioning of society but is often undervalued and unequally distributed.

The Bogotá program is gaining international attention as other cities explore similar approaches to addressing the issue of unpaid care work. By providing direct services and support to caregivers, these initiatives aim to redistribute the burden of care and create more equitable societies. The concept is rooted in the understanding that recognizing and supporting unpaid care work is not only a matter of gender equality but also a crucial component of economic and social development.