From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

FUNCTIONALITY The core functionality of the Care Blocks is to provide needed services to unpaid caregivers (estimated to be one-sixth of Bogotá’s population) as well as care receivers. The necessary functions were determined through co-design with caregivers and consultation with more than 10 gov - ernmental divisions and commissions care services providers. Each Care Block is recommended to have the following functions: ▪The location of each Care Block was designed to maximize func- tionality and access. The location needed to meet a minimum threshold of 25% of the local population having a high demand for care, and account for caregiver density, multidimensional poverty in women and participatory budgeting.41 ▪Locations needed to be within a 20-minute walking distance for projected users.42 ▪Each Care Block was recommended to have public and private spaces for caregivers (such as classrooms, psychological and legal services rooms, a laundry room and a gym) and for care receivers (such as playrooms, an auditorium) and the general public (workshop rooms, auditorium). The SuperCADE Manitas anchors Bogotá's first Care Block in Ciudad Bolívar, spanning 800 m2 and offering over 30 services under the District Care System (see image overleaf). Designed to reduce the care burden on caregivers, it features open spaces, multi-purpose rooms and landscaped areas. Services include flexible education, job training, life skills courses, entrepreneurship workshops and healthcare. Additional facilities within the wider block include a public nursery, supermarket and laundromat. Strategically located near the TransMiCable, the Care Block ensures easy access for res- idents, especially those with limited mobility, by connecting them to Bogotá's main transit network. ECONOMY Through supporting the economic autonomy of caregivers, the Care Blocks enhance long-term economic vibrancy and inclusion of their contexts. Providing educational and professional training to support income-generating activities for caregivers enriches the economic and social value of a place in an array of ways. The blocks also provide child care and elderly care to enable caregivers to take full advantage of their services.43 40 Manzanas del CuidadoStakeholders 41Replicability and lessons learned Replicable or scalable aspects ▪Integrated service delivery: Care Blocks bring essential services – such as job training, childcare and healthcare – under one roof, making support more accessible and efficient. This approach reduces the burden on caregivers and can be adapted to other cities facing similar social and economic challenges.45 ▪Strategic location planning: Using data to identify neigh- bourhoods with high caregiving demands and service gaps ensures resources reach those who need them most. This evi- dence-based strategy enhances impact and is transferable to other urban settings. ▪Collaborative governance: The establishment of an Intersec- tional Commission of Care, involving multiple public entities and stakeholders, ensures coordinated service delivery and policy-making. This collaborative framework promotes shared responsibility and can serve as a model for other municipalities aiming to implement comprehensive care systems. ▪International recognition and adaptation: The Care Blocks have been acknowledged globally, receiving awards such as the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation and recog- nition from the OECD.46 Their success has inspired discussions of replication in cities like San Pedro Garza García, Mexico, and Freetown, Sierra Leone, demonstrating the model’s adaptability across diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.47Additional technical support ▪The UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Carribean’s (ECLAC) development of prioritization index to determine locations for Care Blocks ▪UN Women ▪Government of Sweden ▪OSF ▪International Finance Corporation (IFC), member of the World Bank ▪UN Development Programme (UNDP)Ongoing programme funding ▪City of Bogotá Additional grants and funding awards ▪Open Society Foundations (OSF) for Care mobile unites ▪The Bloomberg Global Mayors Challenge44 ▪The Carter Center’s Inform Women, Transform Lives campaign Key stakeholders ▪5,500 women who contributed to the planning phases ▪Intersectional Commission of Care ▪Secretary of Women ▪The Care Alliance Users 1 million caregivers (as of end of 2024)Programme lead City of Bogotá FUNDING