By Fernanda Monserrath Gutierrez Zaragoza 

Youth Advisory Group (GAJ)-GOYN-CDMX

In Mexico City, thousands of young people face a reality that places us at a crossroads between our personal aspirations and the responsibility of caring. Young people have historically been rendered invisible within the debate on caregiving, despite the fact that many of us take on these tasks from an early age. Without an adequate system to support us, our educational, work and personal opportunities are limited, perpetuating inequality and precariousness.

Rethinking care from youth

The concept of care has traditionally been treated from an adult perspective, leaving aside the perspective of young people who, in many cases, balance study, work and care work without any recognition. We need to rethink the care system from an intergenerational approach that considers our needs and rights.

The lack of recognition and support for young people who provide care is a problem that affects different areas of daily life. In a context where 231% of Mexico City's GDP comes from unpaid care work, it is unacceptable that those of us who perform these tasks are left out of the social protections and opportunities that should be guaranteed for our generation.

The impact on the lives of young people

The impact of caregiving on young people’s lives is profound and long-lasting. Not having an adequate support system forces us to make difficult decisions, such as dropping out of school, accepting precarious employment or giving up our professional aspirations in order to fulfil our caring responsibilities. This not only affects our present, but condemns us to a life path limited by structural barriers that we have not chosen.

Young people not only face a lack of employment and educational opportunities, but also see their mental health compromised. The emotional burden and physical strain of caring without institutional support generate high levels of stress and anxiety, a reality that must be urgently addressed through comprehensive public policies.

Towards a Public Care System that includes youth

If we want a more just and equal future, it is essential that the Public Care System specifically considers the needs of young caregivers. To do so, it is necessary to implement strategies that allow equal access to opportunities for personal and professional development.

Some proposals to advance along this path include:

• Incorporation of the right to care into labour and educational legislation, guaranteeing academic flexibility measures and work permits for those who perform the role of caregivers.
• Creation of youth support networks that provide advice, psychological support and access to respite programs to reduce care overload.
• Promoting gender co-responsibility policies to equitably redistribute care work among all members of the family and society.
• Implementation of economic incentives and social security programs that recognize the value of care work and protect those who perform it.
• Strengthening education and training so that young carers can access training and employment options without being forced to abandon their caring responsibilities.

The right to care and the right to work should not be mutually exclusive concepts. It is possible to design public policies that allow young caregivers to continue their education, develop professionally and enjoy well-being without their caregiving responsibilities becoming an insurmountable obstacle.

We, the youth, are the present and we have the right to build a future where care is a guaranteed right and not an individualized burden. To achieve this, it is urgent that our experiences are recognized and that we are included in the decision-making process regarding the design of the Public Care System. Only in this way can we move towards a more just and equitable society for all.