Action Aid have produced a new report looking at how unpaid caring work, which is primarily undertaken by women and girls, restricts women’s chances to access their rights such as education, political participation, decent work and leisure. Caring is one of the main reasons for women undertaking homework.
While all women regardless of class, race, caste and ethnicity are expected to provide care as part of their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters, women living in poverty are disproportionately affected by this responsibility.
Unpaid care is more difficult to do in the context of poverty as basic amenities, and access to public services are lacking. Further, the income needed to purchase goods and services to undertake care work may not be available. Women must then rely on their own labour to provide the care that is required.
Many women living in poverty carry the dual responsibilities for both unpaid care work and earning an income or subsistence farming.