Introduction to the Proposal
The government led by Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of Mexico City, has introduced a proposal within the 2026 Federal Budget Expenditure Project (PPEF) to establish the Anexo Transversal 31: Consolidation of a Care Society. This initiative aims to ensure effective access to care and progress in building the National Care System.
Budget and Allocation
If approved, the Anexo 31 will receive a budget of approximately 466.674 million pesos for the following year, according to the government’s explanation in the 2026 Economic Package.
The Secretariat of Well-being will receive the largest share of this budget, with 172,001 million pesos, accounting for 36% of the total resources allocated to consolidating a care society.
Building the National Care System
In the General Criteria of Economic Policy (CGPE), Sheinbaum’s government asserts that they are advancing in the construction of the National Care System by articulating public and private policies, strategies, and models.
This initiative aims to make the right to care effective and help close income, social, and gender gaps. Recognizing, reducing, redistributing, compensating, and representing care tasks—which disproportionately fall on women—will contribute to a more equitable and just country, the government states.
According to INEGI data, the economic value of unpaid domestic and care work reached 8.4 billion pesos in 2023, equivalent to 26.3% of the GDP.
Moreover, Hacienda highlights the unequal distribution of care tasks, with 51.1% of women engaging in some form of unpaid care compared to 43% of men.
Regarding time, women dedicate 5.5 more hours per week to these tasks.
A robust care system will free up time and create job opportunities for millions of women. If women currently outside the labor force, interested in remunerated work and spending their time on unpaid care, could join the labor market, female employment could increase by 2.6 million people, Hacienda projects.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Anexo Transversal 31? It’s a proposal by Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to create a Care Society, ensuring effective access to care and advancing the National Care System.
- What is the budget for this initiative? Approximately 466.674 million pesos for the following year, if approved.
- Which sector receives the largest budget share? The Secretariat of Well-being, with 36% of the total resources.
- What are the goals of this initiative? To make the right to care effective, close income, social, and gender gaps, and promote a more equitable society.
- How significant is the economic value of unpaid care work? In 2023, it was equivalent to 26.3% of Mexico’s GDP, or 8.4 billion pesos.
- How unequal is the distribution of care tasks? Women perform 51.1% of unpaid care, compared to men’s 43%, according to INEGI data.
- What impact could a robust care system have? It could free up time and create job opportunities, potentially increasing female employment by 2.6 million people.
