admin | March 15, 2024
Farm Radio International recently wrapped up our four-week discussion on unpaid care work, which involves various activities and responsibilities essential for household and community well-being. In total, there were about 110 active participants. The focus of the discussion was to :
- Understand what unpaid care work is, and suggest changes necessary to support unpaid care workers, primarily women, who bear a disproportionate responsibility for these tasks, which often go unrecognized.
- Explore economic disparities and societal expectations impact the division of labor in unpaid care work, with women bearing a disproportionate burden. Poverty worsens reliance on unpaid care in families, leading to more advantaged families hiring help.
Through the discussion, it became clear that attitudes towards caregiving are evolving, with younger generations increasingly participating in unpaid work. The division of labor varies between rural and urban areas, with rural women dedicating more time to unpaid tasks, while men contribute most of their time to paid employment. Urban women may have less time for unpaid care work as they balance paid work with childcare, education, elder care, and community services. This make them use paid services, turning unpaid care work into paid care work.
Despite differences in tasks and time allocation between locations, women remain the backbone of caregiving. Family members’ health and societal expectations significantly influence their involvement in caregiving. Community networks and community-based initiatives are crucial in supporting caregivers in Africa, providing psychosocial support, training, and empowerment.
With regards to changes needed to unpaid care work, the emphasis was on the need to challenge traditional gender roles and policies, and promote equality in caregiving. Broadcasters highlighted the importance of sharing caregiving and breadwinning responsibilities between genders, encouraging individuals to pursue their interests regardless of gender norms, and providing equal access to education and training opportunities. Advocacy for educating people about the negative effects of gender stereotypes, supporting those who face discrimination or violence based on gender identity, and recognizing and celebrating the achievements of both men and women is highly emphasized. Broadcasters highlighted the need to address the unequal burden of unpaid care work on women, involving men in domestic chores and family care, and implementing flexible work arrangements.
Several countries have implemented policies and initiatives to promote equal opportunities for men and women in education, employment, and caregiving. Malawi has adopted the National Gender Policy 2020-2025, Zambia has implemented the Women’s Economic Empowerment Project, Zimbabwe and Kenya have conducted Time Use Surveys, Ghana’s National Gender Policy 2015-2020 focuses on reducing the burden of unpaid care work on women through infrastructure investment, work-life balance promotion, and engaging men and boys in care work. Uganda’s We Care Program addresses unpaid care work by providing women with labor-saving devices, access to essential resources, and collective action platforms, while challenging gender norms with the involvement of men and community leaders.
To ensure fair and effective care for older loved ones, families should communicate respectfully and openly about care needs and expectations. Caregivers should recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions, negotiate a fair division of tasks, and seek help when needed. Emotional support, a positive family environment, learning and sharing information and skills on safe caregiving are crucial.
Valuing unpaid care work as a crucial economic activity requires a holistic approach that recognizes the diverse needs and contributions of caregivers of all ages. Strategies to bridge generational gaps and encourage intergenerational collaboration in caregiving include intergenerational programs and activities, education and awareness initiatives, community service and volunteering, technology literacy and exchange, and intergenerational housing and living arrangements.
Promoting shared caregiving responsibilities regardless of geographical location is important for the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Strategies include open communication and coordination through technology, creating a shared care calendar, leveraging each person’s strengths, financial coordination, remote support for local caregivers, emergency plans, collaborating with formal caregivers, and supporting local caregivers from afar with respite care services and practical assistance.
The last week of the discussion focused on addressing unpaid care work on air. Broadcasters had to come up with radio program episode synopsis on how they would produce a program that recognizes the value of women in households. The same week a network-based campaign on unpaid care work was launched. Topics broadcasters came up with included among others: understanding unpaid care work, promoting equal labor division, empowering girls, debunking gender stereotypes, and discussing the unseen world of unpaid care work, the power of women, the story of unpaid care workers, men and unpaid care work, etc. We invite all of our radio partners to produce episodes on this important topic starting in March, the month of International Women’s Day, and all the way through April. Everyone who produces an episode on the topic of unpaid care responsibilities between March 1 and April 30, 2024 will be eligible to be entered into a draw to receive one of 30 prizes of $100 CAD. Simply fill out this form to indicate your participation: https://forms.gle/8w2MfkC9Pdiz98cg9
The discussion continues with the support of expert guests, including:
- Adama Camara, XXX, in Mali
- Herman Dawega of Association pour la Promotion des Enfants en Difficultés in Burkina Faso
- Adaora Sydney-Jack A of Gender Strategy Advancement International in Nigeria
- Mary Nsemwa of Tanzania Gender Networking Programme in Tanzania
- Yonas Mitiku of Union of Ethiopian Women and Children Associations in Ethiopia
- Beatrice Chisomo Mateyo of Coalition for the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Malawi