Introduction to the Annex 31 for a Care Society
The Mexican government is set to introduce Anexo 31 Consolidación de una Sociedad de Cuidados (Annex 31 for a Care Society) next year. This initiative aims to establish a National Care System and address gender disparities affecting women in care-related roles.
Budget Breakdown
From the total approved budget considered within this annex, 36.8% corresponds to the Secretariat of Well-being, which implements key priority programs under Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. The annex includes 466,674 million pesos from various social programs related to building a care society.
Focus on the Secretariat of Well-being
Out of the 49 programs identified across 18 government branches impacting care, the Secretariat of Well-being stands out with 172,001 million pesos. The dominant program is the Pension for the Well-being of Adults Aged 65 and Over, receiving 124,260 million pesos.
Gender Disparity in Caregiving
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), in 2022, Mexico had 31.7 million people engaged in caregiving, with 75.1% being women. This leaves them at a disadvantage for professional and social development, along with the mental and physical burdens of caregiving.
The ENIGH 2024 survey revealed that, on average, women dedicate 12% more weekly hours to work, care, and household chores compared to men. Women allocate 76.1 hours per week to this “triple shift,” while men dedicate 67.6 hours, equating to approximately one less workday.
Anexo 31’s Objectives
The Anexo 31 for a Care Society focuses on programs that modify the social organization of care in Mexico and ensure effective access to care for infants, elderly individuals with varying levels of autonomy, and support for people with disabilities. It also acknowledges the rights of caregivers, predominantly women.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Anexo 31 for a Care Society? It’s an initiative by the Mexican government to establish a National Care System and address gender disparities in care-related roles.
- What percentage of the annex budget goes to the Secretariat of Well-being? 36.8% of the annex budget is allocated to the Secretariat of Well-being.
- What is the primary program under the Secretariat of Well-being? The Pension for the Well-being of Adults Aged 65 and Over is the main program, receiving significant funding.
- What gender disparity exists in caregiving roles? Seventy-five percent of caregivers in Mexico are women, who face challenges in professional and social development due to the mental and physical demands of caregiving.
- How do care responsibilities affect work hours for men and women? Women dedicate 12% more weekly hours to work, care, and household chores compared to men.
