Gender-Equitable Family Policies for Inclusive and Sustainable Development: An Agenda for the G20

Task Force 6: Accelerating SDGs: Exploring New Pathways to the 2030 Agenda 1. The Challenge Families are vital institutions that provide care for children, the elderly, and others in society [1] (see Appendix for a definition of key terms). Policies which aid families in meeting their material and non-material needs can be œthe most meaningful vehicle for governments to influence the standard of living of future generations [2] . Families, especially those living in environments of poverty, inequality, stress, and conflict, require significant support as highlighted by the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, [3] which saw an increase in care and domestic needs. This has further emphasised the importance of investing in families and in children during their foundational years as a means of crisis proofing. Global evidence on family policies tells a story of chronic underinvestment, inequality, and flawed design. [4] [5] This leaves families to resort to strategies such as increasing their private and out-of-pocket spending on health and education, reducing their participation in the labour market, engaging their children into labour or into early marriages, or migrating in search of better life opportunities and send home remittances. [6] In environments of stress, conflict, and relational inequality, family violence thrives”both violence against children [7] and women [8] ”and often remains invisible and condoned by social norms. These lead to negative outcomes such as reduced breastfeeding, inadequate prenatal care, poor caregiver attachment, and significant societal and economic costs. [9] [10] Underinvestment in the early years Public spending on children in the pre-school years is typically the lowest across age-groups, [11] regardless of a country income level. This is usually the stage of life when families require the most support from their governments. Underinvestment is particularly stark in low-income countries where children under the age of six receive only six percent of the total public spending on children under the age of 17. [12] The lack of early and adequate intervention perpetuates inequalities between families and contributes to the growing inequality within and between countries. The hierarchy of spending within family policies can be influenced by a country demographic characteristics [13] and the extent of its informal economy [14] . However, spending and policy design decisions are ultimately policy choices that can be driven by short-term views, a lack of political commitment to gender equality and child well-being, and misperceptions about social spending as a cost rather than an investment.