POLICY CHANGE
We are committed to influencing policies that recognise the rights of young children from marginalized communities, working mothers and careworkers in the ECD sector.
According to the Time Use Survey 2024 by the Government of India, the percentage of time for unpaid daily household and care work by women is nearly 8 times more, as compared to men.
The lack of access to childcare services continues to be a barrier for women to enter the workforce and become economically independent. In India, care work is not recognised as a formal sector. India lacks a universal childcare policy.
Our work and research illustrates that access to childcare is a pathway to break the cycle of gender inequality and intergenerational poverty. We work with decision makers to influence policies on equitable childcare systems.
Supported India's first state supported creche scheme
Created demonstration models for children in urban poverty, leading to India's first state-supported creche scheme for Working and Ailing mothers in 1977 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
3-6 years old children included in RTE Act 2010
Part of the Right to Education movement that led to 3-6 years old children and their education brought in as directive principles under Constitutional Amendment for RtE Act. 2010
Creches are an entitlement in Maternity Benefit Act (2017 amended)
Advocacy for 6 months of paid leave and gender-sensitive creche provisions as part of Alliance for Right to ECD, as included in the Maternity Benefit Amended Act (2017 amended).
Part of experts group to improve National Creches Scheme
Continued this advocacy for increasing costing norms that led to reimagining the scheme as PALNA creches in 2023
Case Study: Shaping Haryana’s State Creche Policy – the role of Mobile Creches
The Haryana State Creche Policy is a landmark achievement in childcare policy development, and it’s true success lies in its effective implementation.
Our team conducted in-depth research on the socio-political landscape and had extensive discussions with policymakers, government officials, community workers, and childcare providers to ensure diverse voices informed the policy. We actively participated in drafting and refining policy provisions, ensuring alignment with national frameworks like the National ECCE Policy and global standards such as the WHO and UNICEF recommendations.
This collaborative journey reaffirms our belief that well-structured early childhood care policies are a powerful tool for improving maternal workforce participation, reducing child malnutrition, and enhancing early learning outcomes—paving the way for a more equitable future for India’s youngest citizens.