KAMPALA – A groundbreaking study by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), conducted in partnership with Makerere University’s School of Women and Gender Studies and CARE International Uganda, has revealed significant changes in Uganda’s division of unpaid care work. The three-year study aimed to address entrenched gender norms that place a disproportionate burden on women.
Unpaid care work disproportionately affects women in Uganda and East Africa, having far-reaching implications on households and the economy. In Uganda, women spend an average of 4-6 hours daily on unpaid care work, compared to men’s 1-2 hours. This time burden restricts women’s participation in education, employment, and personal development, perpetuating household poverty.
The economic value of unpaid care work in Uganda is estimated at 20-30% of the country’s GDP, yet it remains unrecognized and unrewarded. Women’s limited participation in the formal labor market hinders economic growth and diversity. Unpaid care work decreases women’s productivity, affecting agricultural and entrepreneurial endeavors.
In East Africa, similar patterns emerge. In Kenya, women spend 4.5 times more time on unpaid care work than men, impacting rural livelihoods. In Tanzania, unpaid care work affects women’s participation in agriculture, the primary economic sector. Rwanda has made efforts to recognize and reduce unpaid care work, improving women’s economic empowerment.
The EPRC study utilized a “power model” involving community leaders, role-model men, and women’s groups to promote gender equality in household chores and caregiving responsibilities. Findings showed that engaging community leaders alongside household-level initiatives was crucial for meaningful change.
Dr. Madina Guloba, EPRC Senior Research Fellow, explained that the study focused on promoting mindset changes to adopt more equitable caregiving roles. “Our goal was to shift rigid gender norms confining women to unpaid care work, promoting balanced household and community dynamics.”
“When we engaged solely at the community level, the impact was minimal. Similarly, addressing only households saw limited change. However, combining both approaches led to profound shifts,” Dr. Guloba noted.
Key outcomes include:
- Women’s unpaid care time decreased by 1 hour 35 minutes daily.
- Freed-up time enabled women to engage in self-care and income-generating activities.
- Financial independence and overall health improved.
Ms. Juliet Were, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), emphasized the significance of the study’s findings, noting that they are particularly timely, as they provide crucial evidence on unpaid care work.
“We hope that the insights gained will enrich the growing body of knowledge on Uganda’s care economy, informing planning, investment, and policy decisions.”
“We’re honored to have partnered with EPRC over the past decade, advancing our advocacy for investment in unpaid care and domestic work. Their valuable contributions have greatly enhanced our understanding of development issues.” she added.
Were envisioned the findings on shifting the narrative around unpaid care work – stating that the equitable division of unpaid care responsibilities is vital not only for the daily well-being of families and societies but also for advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.
Dr. Peace Musiimenta, Makerere University senior lecturer notes that much as the findings are encouraging, there is a need to acknowledge that transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but begins with a collective recognition of the need for change.
“To effectively address unpaid care work, we must revisit socialization practices. The values and norms we instill in children from a young age shape their perspectives. For instance, in pre-primary school, traditional gender roles are often reinforced through simplistic lessons: ‘Mummy cooks at home,’ ‘Daddy works at home.’ This perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”
To break this cycle, Dr. Musiimenta says there is a need to retrain teachers through comprehensive gender sensitivity programs in teachers’ training colleges.
“Currently, many educators lack training in gender equality and women’s empowerment. By retooling them, we can ensure they promote inclusive values and empower future generations.”
Dr. Musiimenta also linked traditional gender expectations to incidents of gender-based violence. “If a man assists while his wife is washing dishes or cleaning, it eases her transition to cooking and prevents misunderstandings. But if he’s simply waiting to be served, frustration can build, potentially leading to violence.”
Margret Ayebare, Mbarara District Member of Parliament, highlighted the link between unpaid care work and domestic violence. “Most unpaid care work is done by women, leading to exhaustion and potential household conflicts.” Ayebare noted that fatigue from excessive unpaid care work can strain marriages.
“When a woman is truly exhausted, especially when it comes to marriage and conjugal rights, she may tell her husband, ‘I’m too tired.’ If he misinterprets this, conflicts can arise,” Ayebare explained.
The study’s findings also showed that households where men contribute to domestic work experience improved relationships and reduced domestic violence. Ayebare shared examples from the study, showing that men who helped take children to school or assisted with morning routines reported increased harmony and love in their families.
“When a husband wakes up to help with tasks like taking children to school while his wife prepares breakfast, it creates a sense of partnership,” Ayebare remarked, adding that such cooperation fosters happiness and reduces domestic conflicts.
The study’s outcomes and expert insights underscore the importance of addressing gender imbalances in household duties, suggesting shared responsibilities can improve family dynamics and reduce domestic violence. By promoting mindset changes and equitable caregiving roles, Uganda can move towards a more balanced and harmonious society.
