Sharing some big news: Introducing The Care Gap
a data-driven insights on closing the care gaps at home, at work, and in our society
A quick story. Please indulge me.
When I embarked on my career journey, I walked into the workplace with a baby in one arm and a car seat holding my laptop bag on the other arm. That moment was a vivid testament to the intersection of my personal life and my professional ambitions. I was a young black woman, a single and breastfeeding mother, and an immigrant from the noisy streets of Lagos, Nigeria to the silent dark roads of Parkersburg, West Virginia. I was navigating uncharted waters. I would eventually find a patchwork of childcare for a few weeks.
The challenges I faced were not just personal; they revealed profound gaps in care and support systems. Like so many caregivers, I had no idea how to find nor afford quality childcare, and my workplace had no idea how to support me. These early experiences marked the beginning of a profound journey that led to the creation of this newsletter "The Care Gap." And of course with 5 years of leading MH, where we reached over 25 million parents and caregivers last year via our social channels and platform, I have met countless women and families share their own stories of care, many of them focused on the care gaps within their own homes, workplaces, and communities.
Data-backed Insights On Closing The Gaps In Care
"The Care Gap" is not just a newsletter; it's a beacon of hope and transformation for parents, caregivers, and forward-thinking employers. It's the culmination of years of personal and professional experiences, a testament to the profound change that is possible when we address the gaps in care.
As I navigated my career in Corporate America, my journey took an unexpected turn when I had to take on the role of caregiver for my aging parents. I found myself balancing the demands of a full-time job with the medical needs of my parents and the care of my siblings back home, including handling care for my own family. This experience brought into sharp focus the pressing need to bridge the care gap, not just for myself, but for countless others facing similar challenges.
Why "The Care Gap"?
Caregiving is not merely a personal issue; it's the underpinning of our economies and the fabric of our societies. Yet, the divide between the reality of caregiving and its potential remains vast. "The Care Gap" is our vehicle to bridge that divide. It's the platform where every data point tells a story, where every policy shift becomes a call to action, and where every gap is an opportunity for transformation.
Caregiving is not merely a personal issue; it's the underpinning of our economies and the fabric of our societies. - Blessing Adesiyan
A Global Commitment
Post-covid I made my journey back home to Lagos, Nigeria where I witnessed the stark inequalities in care responsibilities. Women in Africa continue to spend 3.4 times more than men on care responsibilities, leading to little to no economic or political inclusion. Most women start businesses that are not scalable or investible due to time poverty - they simply do not have the time for their own personal and professional growth. The care gap continues to drive the motherhood penalty, fatherhood bonus, and reduced quality of life for women and children globally. It's a pressing issue we must confront head-on.
And we are doing the work, alongside so many people in this space. The Care Gap is coming to you from the heels of our recently concluded Care At Work Summit and CareFest where I spoke on the Future Of Care Benefits.
What to Expect
When you subscribe to "The Care Gap," you're embarking on a journey that delves into:
Rigorous Research: Meticulously curated data that reveals the stark realities of caregiving demands - childcare, eldercare, disability care, spousal care, and more.
Economic Models & Realities: Insights into the economics of caregiving, from unpaid labor to its societal impact.
Familial Financial Strains: An exploration of the economic and emotional toll of untenable care costs.
Policy Pulse: Updates on legislative changes, advocacy efforts, and policy proposals.
Community Voices: Diverse caregiver perspectives and real-life solutions.
Expert Analysis: Insights from economists, social scientists, and industry experts.
Global Perspectives: Learning from diverse cultures and systems, including diving deep into historically excluded caregivers.
Real Stories: Powerful narratives driving home the urgency of our mission.
Innovative Solutions: Discover startups, non-profits, and initiatives making real strides.
Actionable Tips: Practical strategies for making meaningful change.
This newsletter is more than words on a page; it's a platform for change, a community that rallies for progress, and a resource for those who continue to experience gaps in care. It's your trusted guide for navigating the complexities of caregiving while pursuing your personal and professional goals.
FAQ
When will the first newsletter drop?
Future post will drop mid-week, every Wednesday, and will require a paid subscription to access. Our first published date is slated for tomorrow, November 15, 2023
How does this differ from MH WorkLife?
This is my personal newsletter, and it exists separately from my organization. Its where I want to write about my ideas and thoughts on care without diluting my company’s mission, vision, and objectives? MH’s newsletter will now focus on its products and services - care fund, care academy, and care coverage.
Why Is The Care Gap A Paid Subscription?
Truly, I have poured my heart into this work, but can no longer offer valuable resources and insights for free without sustainable funding. Your subscription is a small contribution towards the data, research, and insights that goes into this body of work. I hope you will consider a paid subscription.
Will There Be A Free Subscription To The Care Gap?
They will be limited and occasional. If you received this email, you are currently on the free plan, and can upgrade at any time. Future post will drop mid-week, every Wednesday, and will require a paid subscription to access.
Can I sponsor The Care Gap Newsletter?
I am currently accepting sponsorships where there are no conflict of interests. Please email me directly at blessing@mhworklife.com
Does This Mean I Have Access To MH WorkLife Subscription Plan?
Not at all. MH’s product are completely separate from The Care Gap.
Can I Gift The Care Gap To Friends & Family?
Yes and yes! In fact, I encourage it. This is perfect for that friend who is constantly worried about their caregiving responsibilities and need deep insights on how to move forward with confidence and resilience.
Can I Refer A Friend?
Yes please. The more the merrier, I look forward to seeing you in the gap.
Can I Purchase A Group Subscription?
I deeply encourage group subscriptions, especially for friends, families, ERG networks, etc. Please let me know if you run into issues. You also get 20% off groups.