Are Women Not ‘Working’? Interactions between Childcare and Women’s EconomicEngagement

The paper by Chopra et al. (2023) examines the impact of childcare on women’s economic activities in India, Nepal, Tanzania, and Rwanda. It reveals that childcare, both direct and supervisory, significantly consumes women’s time, affecting their ability to engage in paid work. The study highlights the complex trade-offs women face between caregiving and income-generating roles, influenced by household economics, care alternatives, social norms, and the structure of available jobs.

Deepta Chopra, Amrita Saha, Sohela Nazneen and Meenakshi Krishnan (2020). “Are Women Not ‘Working’? Interactions between Childcare and Women’s Economic Engagement”. IDS Working Paper 533, Institute of Development Studies.