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 the city's historic downtown, the care block provides services such as childcare and educational programs, aiming to redistribute care responsibilities and empower women.

The program, situated on the fourth floor of a government building near a statue of Simón Bolívar, offers a range of activities. These include early childhood education, recreational activities for children, and educational opportunities for women, according to Rachel Cohen Booth, a senior policy correspondent for Vox who reported on the initiative. The goal is to alleviate the burden of unpaid care work, which often falls disproportionately on women, hindering their access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

The concept of recognizing and addressing unpaid care work is gaining traction globally as societies grapple with issues of gender equality and economic development. By providing accessible and affordable care services, cities can potentially unlock the economic potential of women and improve overall societal well-being. The Bogotá experiment serves as a model for other cities seeking to implement similar programs.

The "manzana del cuidado" is part of a broader movement to acknowledge the economic value of unpaid care work and integrate it into policy decisions. This includes efforts to measure and quantify the contribution of unpaid care to national economies, as well as advocating for policies that support caregivers, such as paid parental leave and affordable childcare.

As of January 2026, the Bogotá initiative was being studied and considered by other cities around the world as a potential solution to address gender inequality and promote economic development. The program's success will likely depend on factors such as sustained government funding, community engagement, and ongoing evaluation of its impact on women's lives.