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Women Clock Out of Work, Only to Clock Into Housework. Why Are Men Still Missing?
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What Happened?
Despite an increase in working women in India, domestic responsibilities remain unevenly shared. A report reveals women spend significantly more time on household tasks than men.
Key points
- The number of working women in India increased from 10.4 crore in 2017-18 to 20.1 crore in 2025.
- Women spend an average of 464 minutes daily on domestic work, compared to 178 minutes for men.
- Many women face a 'second shift' of household responsibilities after their workday ends.
- The concept of 'mental load' highlights the unseen tasks women manage at home.
- Traditional gender roles continue to influence household responsibilities.
- Men's participation in domestic chores is often viewed as helping rather than sharing responsibility.
Key insights
- The imbalance in domestic work may hinder women's career advancement.
- Changing perceptions of gender roles from childhood could lead to more equitable sharing of responsibilities.
- Men's involvement in household tasks can redefine traditional family dynamics.
Why it matters
Understanding the division of household responsibilities is crucial for achieving gender equality.
Source
India Today
