Gender and the Bifurcation of Paid and Unpaid Care Work
Posted: 14 November, 2024 Filed under: Sinqobile Makhathini | Tags: African Societies, Beijing +30, child-rearing, colonialism, cooking, domestic work, elder care, feminised poverty, formal employment, gender dynamics, gendered labour, International Day of Care and Support, low wages, paid employment, socio-economic factors, unpaid care work, voluntary community work 1 Comment
Author: Sinqobile Makhathini
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
The 29th October marked the International Day of Care and Support, and this year’s theme focused on transforming care systems to achieve Beijing +30. This occasion prompts us to critically examine the dynamics of gendered labour and the ongoing disparity between paid and unpaid care work in Southern Africa.
According to the United Nations, unpaid care work encompasses all unpaid services provided by individuals within a household or community to benefit its members. This includes activities like cooking, cleaning, collecting water and fuel, and caring for children, older persons, and individuals living with illnesses or disabilities. Voluntary community work, such as operating community kitchens or childcare services, also qualifies as unpaid care work.
AfricLaw 