Framing a Research Agenda on the Care Economy in the Mena Region

Abstract

Using established global frameworks—the 3R approach (Recognize, Reduce, Redistribute), the 5R framework (adding Reward and Representation), and the 7-4-7 approach (covering principles, policy categories, and levers for change)—this paper assesses the state of current research and policy responses to care in MENA. It identifies significant knowledge gaps and proposes a research agenda to address them, with attention to both paid and unpaid care work. The agenda prioritizes feminist-informed, context-specific research that can inform advocacy, influence policy, and shift social norms around care. This paper aims to guide future work that contributes to gender equality and more inclusive care economies in the region by identifying key research questions and methodological directions.