Question

In your house or neighbourhood, you might come across many women who, even though they have technical degrees and diplomas and also free time to go to work, do not go to work. Ask them the reasons for not going to work. List all of them and discuss in the classroom whether they should go for work and why, and also ways by which they could be sent for work. Some social scientists argue that housewives working at home without getting paid for that work must also be regarded as contributing to the gross national product and therefore, as engaged in an economic activity. Would you agree?

Answer 1

I observed that some women in my neighbourhood have technical degrees or diplomas and also have enough time to work, but they do not go for paid employment.

Possible reasons for not going to work are:

• Household responsibilities and childcare.
• Lack of suitable jobs nearby.
• Family restrictions or lack of support.
• Safety and transport problems.
• Long or inflexible working hours.
• Lack of confidence after a career break.
• Preference for taking care of the family.
• Low salary compared with the effort and travel involved

If they wish to work and suitable opportunities are available, they should be encouraged to do so. Employment can provide financial independence, allow them to use their education and skills, and contribute to the economy.

Ways in which they can be encouraged to work:

• Flexible working hours.
• Work-from-home opportunities.
• Safe transport and workplace facilities.
• Childcare or crèche facilities.
• Skill-refresher courses.
• Family support and equal sharing of household work.
• Part-time or self-employment opportunities.

Yes, unpaid household work such as cooking, cleaning, childcare and caring for family members has real economic value because similar services would have to be paid for if hired from outside. However, much of this unpaid work is generally not included in conventional GDP calculations because it is not exchanged in the market.

Conclusion: Women should have the freedom to choose between paid employment, self-employment and household work. At the same time, unpaid household work should be recognised as an important contribution to the family and economy.