Establishing a childcare cooperative for the provision of childcare service in the State of Palestine
0-1 Original language
English
I-1 Name of the initiative
Establishing a childcare cooperative for the provision of childcare service in the State of Palestine
I-2 Geographical coverage
PSE
I-2-A Region/country
State of Palestine
I-2-R Region
Arab States
I-2-T Geographical scope
Country
I-3-A Initiative start date
2024
I-4 Leading entity/organization
Workers' organization
I-4-A Specification
__EMPTY__
I-5 Collaborating entities/organizations
Government
I-5 Collaborating entities/organizations
Social and solidarity economy (SSE) entities
I-6 Has the ILO been involved in the initiative?
Yes
II-1 Justification of the initiative
In the OPT, the responsibility of childcare overwhelmingly falls on women, limiting their ability to participate fully in the workforce. Many women, whether employed in low-wage jobs or actively seeking employment, struggle to balance their work and care responsibilities, due to the lack of accessible, high-quality childcare services. This challenge not only restricts women’s economic opportunities, but also reinforces gender disparities in the labour market.
II-10 Focus on other branches of economic activity
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
II-10 Focus on other branches of economic activity
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
II-10 Focus on other branches of economic activity
Education
II-11 Focus on certain categories of enterprises or economic units according to their size
Cooperatives
II-13 Focus on other specific categories of workers and employers, not captured elsewhere
Childcare workers (for children ages 0-start of primary school)
II-13 Focus on other specific categories of workers and employers, not captured elsewhere
Workers in the informal economy
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Women
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Men
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Mothers
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Fathers
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
Yes, inter-institutional coordination mechanisms
II-2 Objectives and description of the initiative
This initiative builds on the ongoing efforts of the ILO and its constituent, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU), to enhance women's economic opportunities by addressing the childcare responsibilities that limit their participation in the labour market. As part of this partnership, the PGFTU is piloting the establishment of a childcare cooperative in Nablus, providing a practical solution to the childcare challenges that working women face.Beyond immediate support for working mothers, this initiative aims to establish a sustainable model that meets community needs while delivering long-term benefits for families and the local economy. It contributes to a more inclusive and equitable labour market in the OPT. Additionally, the initiative also ensures that the childcare workers of the cooperative are organized and represented through the trade union. In this regard, it addresses the lack of recognition and representation of care workers.This initiative builds on a 2022 ILO study that assessed the availability of childcare services in the OPT and their impact on equal opportunities in the workplace. The study revealed that establishing a childcare cooperative could be a viable approach to delivering care services, promoting workers’ rights, and providing training for care workers.Building on the study’s key findings and recommendations, the ILO conducted a further assessment to examine the cooperative model's potential in the care sector. This included mapping the legal, institutional, and programmatic context to establish a clear framework for adopting cooperatives in childcare services. To support the piloting of childcare models, a comprehensive feasibility study and business plan were developed, demonstrating the viability of establishing a childcare social enterprise and nursery in Nablus, West Bank. The feasibility study assessed the potential for successful implementation and the expected impact of a childcare cooperative and nursery on female employment and child development.
II-3 Type of initiative
Project / pilot intervention
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Reward care workers
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Representation of care workers
II-5 Which is the main policy area of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Care policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Skills policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Labour Protection policies
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Design and implement integrated and coherent care policies and systems for decent work and gender equality
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Promote employment and macroeconomic policies that create decent jobs in the care economy
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Formalization of informal care jobs and enterprises
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Invest in and make available high-quality, affordable, adequate and accessible care services, including childcare, health care and long-term care
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Unpaid carers (workers or persons with care responsibilities, parents, other family members, etc.)
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Paid care workers (nurses, domestic workers, teachers, childcare workers, personal assistants, etc.)
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Care recipients (children, older persons, persons with disabilities, etc.)
II-9 Geographical scope
Urban
III-1 In a short paragraph, summarize the main results and impacts obtained
The application for the establishment of the childcare cooperative with the Cooperative Works Agency has been successfully submitted, with all required forms and administrative procedures duly completed. The official registration of the childcare cooperative has reached its final stage, paving the way for the licensing process to be concluded. In parallel, significant progress has been made in staffing, with the director of the childcare nursery already appointed. The childcare cooperative will be able to welcome 50 children.
III-2 Explanation of the innovative element of the initiative for advancing decent work in the care economy
This initiative represents a unique and pioneering collaboration between a trade union and the Cooperative movement in OPT. For the first time, a childcare service has been established within a trade union, marking a significant shift in how the Union engages with and supports cooperatives and cooperative workers. As part of this process, the trade union has also created a dedicated unit to strengthen its role in promoting decent work in cooperative development.The initiative is designed to expand childcare services in the OPT, enabling wider access for diverse groups of women and thereby supporting their greater participation in paid employment outside the home. By adopting a cooperative model for the design and management of early childhood services, the initiative introduces a democratic and inclusive approach to service provision. This model seeks to ensure that childcare is affordable, accessible, sustainable, and of high quality—placing women and children firmly at the centre. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, the nursery combines high-quality care with low enrolment costs, ensuring that it directly addresses the needs of working women and their families in the OPT.Innovation is further demonstrated through the multi-stakeholder support it has attracted. The Trade Union has provided the premises for the nursery, while the ILO has facilitated access to a grant for the rehabilitation of the space and has offered financial assistance during the initial transition phase, until the childcare service becomes self-sustaining. At the same time, the Cooperative Works Agency, as the responsible government authority for licensing, streamlined the application process and supported the development of the childcare cooperative’s internal regulations.
IV-1 What were the main challenges or difficulties during the design and implementation? How were they faced/ addressed?
Establishing a childcare cooperative in the Occupied Palestinian Territory presents unique challenges, particularly as this is the first model of its kind in the country. While cooperatives offer a promising approach to providing high-quality and affordable childcare, several key issues had to be addressed to support their success and sustainability.One major challenge is financial sustainability. As a non-profit, the cooperative is committed to keeping enrolment fees low to serve families in need. At the same time, it ensures decent working conditions by compensating childcare professionals at the national minimum wage—higher than what many receive in private childcare centres. While this promotes fairer pay, it also places pressure on the cooperative’s financial model.Another challenge was the reliance on external financial assistance for expansion. Without ongoing subsidies or donor support, it may be difficult to scale the model to other trade unions or sectors while maintaining affordability for families.A further obstacle was the limited awareness and recognition of the cooperative model in the childcare sector. As the first pilot of its kind, there was little public, institutional, or policymaker familiarity with how cooperatives can operate in early childhood care. This lack of understanding created some initial scepticism about its capacity to deliver high quality childcare, posing additional barriers to attracting members, securing funding and obtaining institutional support.
IV-2 Lessons learned and good practices, including room and opportunities for improvement
Partnering with trade unions has proven essential for the success of this model. Strengthening collaboration between the Trade Union and Cooperative movements has emerged as a highly promising approach within the OPT context, offering opportunities to jointly promote sustainable and worker-centred childcare solutions. In addition, the support provided by the Cooperative Work Agency in navigating administrative and licensing procedures has been critical in streamlining the establishment of the childcare cooperative. Going forward, further opportunities lie in deepening these partnerships and building greater institutional capacity, ensuring that future cooperatives can be established.
IV-3 Key conditions for success
A key condition for the success of this initiative has been the technical support provided by the ILO to the founding members of the childcare cooperative. Through grant and implementation agreements with the Trade Union, the ILO has offered essential training and capacity building, enabling members to acquire the skills needed to effectively manage and sustain the cooperative. Equally important has been the support of the PGFTU, which provided the premises for the childcare cooperative, ensuring a suitable and stable location from which services could be delivered.
IV-4 Key conditions for sustainability
Ensuring the sustainability of the childcare cooperative depends on several key conditions. Raising awareness among workers and working mothers about the availability of affordable, high-quality childcare services is essential to increase enrolment and secure community support. Equally important is building strong and trusting relationships with parents, supported by transparent communication on the cooperative’s operating modalities. In addition, promoting decent working conditions within childcare services is critical to making the sector more attractive for qualified professionals, thereby strengthening the cooperative’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality care over the long term.
IV-5 Potential for transferability, expansion and replicability in other countries and contexts
The model demonstrates potential for transferability and replication with a variety of stakeholders, including private sector actors and corporate companies, who could pilot similar initiatives by establishing childcare services within their own premises. Early interest has already been expressed by private sector representatives, highlighting the added value of workplace-based childcare, particularly in contexts where public transport options are limited for parents. This creates opportunities for expanding the model beyond the trade union setting, while adapting it to meet the needs of different workplaces and sectors.