Over 90%. This is The staggering percentage of non-working women in India who were engaged in domestic duties according to the 2011-2012 National Sample Survey (NSS).
This statistic paints a stark picture of the unequal burden placed on women in India, who bear the brunt of unpaid domestic work. While men increasingly participate in household chores in urban areas, the rural landscape remains largely unchanged.
The overwhelming majority of these women cited lack of support as the primary reason for their sole responsibility for domestic work. This lack of support can stem from various factors, including:
Deep-rooted gender norms: Traditional societal expectations often designate household tasks as a woman’s duty, regardless of her working status.
Lack of awareness: Limited understanding of the value and time-consuming nature of domestic work often results in it being undervalued and under-appreciated.
Inadequate infrastructure: The lack of readily available and affordable daycare options or elderly care facilities often forces women to prioritize domestic responsibilities over paid work opportunities.
The Hidden Workload: Estimating the true extent of unpaid domestic work is challenging due to its invisibility and lack of monetary value. However, consider:
Time: Studies reveal that Indian women spend an average of 6.9 hours daily on unpaid domestic work, compared to 3.2 hours for men. This translates to a weekly difference of over 21 hours.
Scope: This work encompasses various tasks, including cooking, cleaning, childcare, eldercare, and managing household logistics. This extensive workload leaves women with limited time for self-care, leisure, or pursuing personal aspirations.
Impacts on Women: The burden of unpaid domestic work has significant consequences for women’s lives, beyond their immediate time constraints:
Limited Economic Opportunities: The time spent on domestic work creates a barrier to participation in the workforce, especially for women in rural areas where job options are scarce.
Reduced Health and Wellbeing: The physical and mental strain associated with the triple burden of unpaid domestic work, childcare, and paid employment can negatively impact women’s health and well-being.
Limited Social Mobility: The time and energy spent on domestic work restricts women’s participation in community activities and educational opportunities, hindering their social mobility and potential for personal growth.
Moving Towards Equality: Achieving gender equality and empowering women requires addressing the issue of unpaid domestic work through a multi-pronged approach:
Shifting mindsets: Challenging traditional gender norms through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives is crucial to promoting shared responsibility within households.
Supporting infrastructure: Investing in affordable childcare facilities and eldercare options can free up women’s time and enable them to pursue their aspirations.
Policy measures: Implementing parental leave policies that offer equal benefits to both mothers and fathers can encourage men to take on a more active role in childcare.
Valuing domestic work: Recognizing and valuing unpaid domestic work through national campaigns and economic models can create a shift in societal perceptions and promote shared responsibility.
Unlocking Potential
Addressing the issue of unpaid domestic work goes beyond individual households. It is about recognizing the substantial contribution women make to the nation’s well-being, empowering them to participate fully in society, and unlocking their immense potential to contribute to the country’s economic and social progress. By acknowledging the reality of this burden and working towards collective solutions, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
