“Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are meant to recognize the achievements and contributions of women around the world, as well as the role they play in sustaining communities, economies, and institutions. One place where that contribution is clearly visible is in family child care.

“Across countries and cultures, family child care exists because women built it. In homes, apartments, and small neighborhood programs, women have created spaces where children are cared for, families are supported, and communities remain connected. For many working parents, these programs make it possible to maintain employment and stability while knowing their children are in trusted environments.

“Care itself operates as a universal language among women. Even when words, policies, and systems differ, the act of caring for children carries a shared meaning. It reflects responsibility, protection, and the understanding that communities depend on the well-being of future generations. UN Women reports that ‘across countries and cultures, women remain the primary caregivers for children, reflecting social norms that connect women to caregiving roles in families and communities.‘ “

“As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across the world, we should also consider how systems can better support the women who sustain family child care every day. That means elevating their voices in policy conversations, investing in the systems that support their work, and advancing inclusive policies that recognize family child care as an essential part of early learning and community stability. When women who lead family child care are supported, families, children, and communities benefit everywhere.”

— “During Women’s History Month, Let’s Celebrate Family Child Care Educators Worldwide,” by Eboni Delaney, The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC), March 11, 2026