In India, unpaid care work, which encompasses various household and caregiving responsibilities, significantly impacts women’s participation in the workforce and their financial independence. The female labor force participation rate (FLFPR) in India stands at a mere 19%, one of the lowest globally. This decline is largely attributed to the burden of unpaid care work borne by women.
Unpaid care work involves tasks such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, and eldercare, all of which predominantly fall on women. A National Statistical Office (NSO) survey revealed that Indian women spend approximately 299 minutes daily on unpaid care work, while men spend only 97 minutes. The economic contribution of women in India is around 17% of the GDP, significantly less than the global average.
The unequal burden of unpaid care work on women often leads to ‘time poverty,’ leaving them with little freedom to pursue self-care, education, skill development, or better employment opportunities. Social norms further exacerbate this issue, as women are traditionally expected to manage household chores and caregiving responsibilities.
To address this challenge and boost women’s economic participation, various initiatives have been introduced by the government, private sector, and non-profit organizations:
- Improving Infrastructure: Accessible and affordable basic amenities like water and fuel reduce the time women spend on care work, allowing them to engage more in paid work.
- Child and Elderly Care Facilities: Providing daycare and elderly care facilities allows women to balance their caregiving responsibilities with paid work.
- Skill Development: Encouraging skill development through initiatives like Skill India Mission enhances women’s market relevance, increasing their participation in the labor force.
- Maternity Benefits and Healthcare: Maternity benefits and accessible healthcare facilities support working women, easing the transition back into the workforce after childbirth.
- Microfinance and Entrepreneurship: Financial assistance and opportunities for entrepreneurship, like the MUDRA Yojna, empower women to start businesses and become financially independent.
- Domestic Support Services: Utilizing domestic workers for household tasks enables women to focus on their careers and pursue financial goals.
By addressing these challenges and fostering a supportive ecosystem, we can empower women engaged in unpaid care work to engage more actively in the workforce and plan for their financial future. It’s imperative to encourage a society where both unpaid care work and economic participation are equally valued, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and prosperous nation.