It’s a fact that women and girls carry the largest burden of unpaid care work worldwide, including taking care of children, elderly, and the sick, as well as household chores. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), up to 76% of this type of work is done by women and girls, which can have serious consequences for their well-being.
This inequality can lead to women feeling physically and mentally drained, isolated, and stuck in poverty. It also limits their opportunities for personal growth, social and political participation, and progress towards gender equality and sustainable development.
To address this issue, everyone needs to pitch in. Governments can introduce policies and programs that support women’s access to affordable childcare, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and social protection. Employers can provide family-friendly policies and practices, such as paid parental leave and flexible working hours, while civil society organizations can advocate for policies that support women’s rights and empowerment.
Individuals can play a part too by challenging gender stereotypes and supporting policies that promote gender equality. According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women in Kenya spend an average of 4.1 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to men who spend only 1.7 hours per day. This unequal distribution of care work limits women’s economic empowerment and progress towards gender equality.
In conclusion, the unequal burden of unpaid care work on women and girls is a global issue that needs urgent attention. It’s time for all of us to take action towards achieving gender equality and sustainable development by addressing the underlying causes of this inequality and supporting women’s rights and empowerment.
Let’s challenge gender stereotypes, advocate for policies that promote gender equality, and support women’s access to affordable childcare, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and social protection. By doing so, women and girls can overcome the burden of unpaid care work and contribute fully to the development of their families, communities, and nations. Together, we can build a more just and equitable world for everyone.