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.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
As AI capabilities advance, strategies for managing potentially dangerous rogue AI systems are being explored, including creating counter-AI, targeted internet shutdowns, and EMP attacks. While these methods aim to regain control, they present complex ethical dilemmas and substantial risks of widespread disruption and unintended consequences for society.
While the fentanyl crisis dominates headlines, a surge in global cocaine production and trade is quietly unfolding, presenting a complex challenge for international drug enforcement. Unlike the centralized cartels of the past, today's cocaine trade is characterized by a decentralized network of smaller organizations, making it more difficult to combat and control. This shift requires a reevaluation of strategies to address the evolving landscape of drug trafficking and its societal impact.
Amidst a backdrop of long-standing tensions, the United States has dramatically escalated its involvement in Venezuela by capturing President Nicolás Maduro, following months of military buildup and strikes on alleged drug trafficking routes. This action, undertaken by the Trump administration, intensifies a relationship already strained by ideological differences, economic instability, and accusations of autocratic rule within the South American nation. The situation raises concerns about regional stability and the future of US foreign policy in Latin America.
As the new year begins, many globally embrace resolutions for self-improvement, yet a significant portion abandon these goals by "Quitter's Day," highlighting a universal struggle with sustained personal change. This phenomenon underscores the cultural significance placed on fresh starts while revealing the challenges of maintaining commitments amidst daily life. Strategies for overcoming this mid-January slump are increasingly relevant in a world focused on progress and self-optimization.
In a bold move, the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amidst escalating tensions and military actions, including drone strikes and targeting alleged drug boats. This event raises critical questions about the future of U.S.-Venezuelan relations and the potential implications for international conflict resolution, highlighting the complex interplay of political power and military intervention in the 21st century.
The upcoming pan-Indian film *Toxic* continues its character reveals with a first look at Tara Sutaria as Rebecca, portrayed as a complex figure embodying both vulnerability and strength, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film's 2026 release. This unveiling follows the introduction of other key characters, showcasing how AI-driven marketing strategies can build hype and engagement for major film releases.
Tony Dokoupil, the new CBS Evening News anchor, aims to restore trust in media by prioritizing accountability and transparency, distinguishing his approach from traditional legacy media. Dokoupil emphasizes representing the average American's perspective, suggesting a shift in journalistic focus to regain audience confidence amid concerns about media bias. This move reflects a broader trend of media outlets adapting to evolving public expectations and criticisms of journalistic practices.
The upcoming 31st Critics Choice Awards are generating buzz, with Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" leading in nominations, though projections suggest Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" could secure top honors like best picture. This awards season reflects a global interest in diverse cinematic narratives, highlighting both established auteurs and emerging voices in the film industry.
Teyana Taylor, celebrated for her diverse talents spanning music, dance, acting, and design, is being honored at the Palm Springs International Film Awards for her role in "One Battle After Another," a film exploring themes of resistance and familial ties. Taylor has expressed interest in a sequel or releasing additional scenes, reflecting the film's resonance and potential for further exploration of its complex narrative.
Researchers have developed random heteropolymers (RHPs) that mimic enzyme functions by strategically positioning functional monomers to create protein-like microenvironments. This innovative approach, inspired by metalloprotein active sites, allows for catalysis under non-biological conditions, demonstrating a new avenue for designing robust and versatile bioinspired materials with potential applications in various fields.
Researchers have created a novel "chiral fermionic valve" that separates electrons based on their chirality using the quantum geometry of topological bands, achieving this without magnetic fields. This innovative device, made from single-crystal PdGa, spatially separates chiral currents with opposite orbital magnetizations, demonstrating quantum interference and opening new possibilities for advanced electronic devices.
A new study from Virginia Tech reveals that increased physical activity directly translates to higher daily calorie expenditure, debunking the myth of metabolic compensation. Researchers found that the body doesn't significantly reduce energy use in other functions to offset exercise, meaning movement genuinely adds to total energy output. This finding reinforces the importance of physical activity for overall health and weight management.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment