Women aged between 15-29 years spend almost five hours more than men doing unpaid labour
A new report by the National Statistical Office (NSO) shows that young women in India, aged between 15-29 years, spend almost five hours more than men in doing unpaid labour, including cooking, cleaning, and caring for family members. The report also revealed that men spend more time on leisure activities such as watching TV and playing games than women.
According to the report, on an average day, women in this age group spend about six hours and 17 minutes doing unpaid work, while men spend only about one hour and 21 minutes. Moreover, men also spend more time on paid work than women, with an average of three hours and 52 minutes per day compared to women’s average of two hours and 26 minutes.
The report also found that women from rural areas and lower socio-economic backgrounds spend more time doing unpaid work than their urban and higher-income counterparts. Additionally, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with women spending more time on household chores due to increased work from home and lack of domestic help.
The findings of this report highlight the need for greater gender equality in India. It is imperative to recognize and reduce the gender gap in unpaid work to ensure women have equal opportunities to pursue education, paid work, and leisure activities. Women’s empowerment is crucial for the overall growth and development of the country.
B) Why this News is important:
Gender equality is a crucial issue in India and across the world. The NSO report on unpaid work shows the stark difference between men and women’s contributions to household chores and care work. This news is essential for government exam aspirants, including civil service positions like PSCS to IAS, as gender equality is a crucial topic in the exam syllabus.
C) Historical Context:
India has made significant progress towards gender equality, with several laws and policies introduced to address the issue. The Constitution of India provides for equal rights and opportunities for men and women. However, despite these efforts, women in India continue to face discrimination and inequality in various forms. One of the major areas of concern is the gender gap in unpaid work, which has been prevalent for decades.
D) Key Takeaways from “Women aged between 15-29 years spend almost five hours more than men doing unpaid labour”:
| Serial No. | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| 1. | Women in India aged 15-29 spend almost five hours more per day on unpaid labour than men in the same age group. |
| 2. | Men spend more time on paid work and leisure activities than women. |
| 3. | Women from rural areas and lower socio-economic backgrounds spend more time on unpaid work than their urban and higher-income counterparts. |
| 4. | The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the gender gap in unpaid work. |
| 5. | Gender equality is a crucial issue for the growth and development of India, and reducing the gender gap in unpaid work is imperative. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q1. What is unpaid labor?
A1. Unpaid labor refers to any work that is not paid or compensated, such as household chores, caregiving, volunteer work, or other activities that are not recognized as formal employment.
Q2. Why is unpaid labor important?
A2. Unpaid labor is important because it contributes to the well-being of society and supports economic growth. It includes activities such as caring for children, elderly or sick family members, household chores, and community work, all of which are essential for maintaining a healthy and functioning society.
Q3. Who does the majority of unpaid labor?
A3. Women do the majority of unpaid labor globally, with some exceptions in certain countries and contexts. According to the article, women aged between 15-29 years spend almost five hours more than men doing unpaid labor.
Q4. What is the impact of unpaid labor on women’s economic empowerment?
A4. Unpaid labor can limit women’s economic empowerment by restricting their ability to participate in paid employment or pursue education and career opportunities. It can also contribute to gender inequality and perpetuate traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
Q5. What can be done to reduce the gender gap in unpaid labor?
A5. To reduce the gender gap in unpaid labor, policies and programs are needed that support the redistribution of unpaid care work and promote gender equality in both the public and private spheres. This can include measures such as parental leave policies, affordable and accessible childcare, and equal pay for equal work.
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