RE:CARE is grounded in a feminist, participatory research approach that centres the voices and lived realities of care workers. Our methodology combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the challenges, needs, and aspirations of women in essential care roles across Malaysia.

The study engaged close to 2,000 care workers and experts from the healthcare, social care, and domestic care sectors.

In this process, we ensured care workers from marginalised and underrepresented groups were included, from B40 women to migrant domestic workers to single mothers, reflecting the diverse landscape of Malaysia’s care ecosystem.

We also conducted key informant interviews with policymakers, employers, union representatives, and civil society actors to explore systemic enablers and gaps within care infrastructure and labour protections.

Our analysis uses an intersectional lens—recognising how gender, socioeconomic status, household composition, and occupation intersect to shape care work experiences. By centering worker perspectives alongside structural insights, RE:CARE delivers evidence-based, actionable recommendations.