How men embracing unpaid care work is fueling household growth

As more men take on roles traditionally assigned to women, a new report from the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) highlights how this shift in gender norms is fueling household growth and reshaping the economic landscape.

Unpaid care work—including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children or the elderly—has long been disproportionately shouldered by women.

This imbalance stems from social and gender expectations that traditionally assign domestic responsibilities to women.

However, recent findings indicate that this dynamic is beginning to change.

“While the data does not indicate a significant change in the amount of time men spend on unpaid care work, there is evidence that men have begun to engage more in such activities,” the report states.

Dr. Madina Guloba, a research fellow at EPRC, explains that evolving mindsets have led to a redistribution of unpaid care work between men and women.

“With increased recognition that ‘what women can do, men can also do’ and vice versa, we are seeing a reduction and redistribution of unpaid care work,” Dr Guloba notes.

“This is particularly evident in the time spent by both genders on various activities, especially those that focus on both individual and community needs.”

The report, released in Kampala, also highlights the potential benefits of this shift for household growth.

When men participate more in unpaid care work, it not only alleviates the burden on women but also enables women to engage more in the labor market, thus contributing to household income and economic stability.

Margarate Ayebare, the Woman Member of Parliament for Mbarara District, stresses the importance of shifting public perceptions and gender norms to further reduce the burden of unpaid care work.

“Stakeholders need to explore existing models that promote the sharing of unpaid care responsibilities. By shifting these norms, we can release women into the labor market and drive household growth,” Ayebare advocates.

The report further underscores that the heavy burden of unpaid care work is closely tied to entrenched social and gender norms. Despite positive changes in some households, the traditional view that domestic work is primarily a woman's responsibility still prevails in many communities. This belief system not only limits women’s opportunities but also hinders the overall economic potential of households.

According to the report, women in Uganda spend an average of 4.5 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to just 1.5 hours for men.

This imbalance leaves women with less time for paid work, education, and other activities that could contribute to their personal and economic development.

As a result, households where women are overburdened with unpaid care work tend to have lower income levels and face more economic challenges.

As Dr Guloba said: “Reducing the burden of unpaid care work on women is essential for their participation in the labor market and, ultimately, for the economic development of our communities.”