Unpaid care work results in the systematic transfer of hidden subsidies to the economy which goes unrecognized thus imposing a time-tax on women. Making a key note presentation at the Gender Forum on 27th March, Prof. Ambreena Manji, Director of the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) suggests that labour redistribution in the domestic sphere as well as demystifying the myth that unpaid care work is women’s work will go a long way in ensuring and recognizing the value of care work to the economy. The Government should take responsibility in providing infrastructure that will help lessen the burden of care work therefore giving women more time to participate in income generating activities.
In Kenya, majority of women in the rural areas are engrossed in care and subsistence activities, which deny them opportunities to do formal or paid work. Mr. Muriuki Kinoti, a gender economist in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning contends that “Only one billion shillings has been accessed from the Women National Fund during the 2013-14 financial year. It is unlikely that Ksh 21 billion will be borrowed in the remaining three months!” This poor uptake of low interest capital funds for women owned enterprise is a clear indicator of time limitations on women.
The Panel Dialogue was moderated by Dr. Kitiabi Kiti Regina M. K. (PhD), Professor of Public Management and Management Practice, University of Nairobi.
Panelists
• Mr. Muriuki B. Kinoti – Gender Economist, Ministry of Devolution and Planning
• Ms. Mary Muyonga – Society for International Development
• Mrs. Gloria Ndekei – International Labour Organisation
• Ms. Lillian Owiti – Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Nairobi
• Ms. Christina Kwangwari – International FLOW project manager, Action Aid Internatioal
• Ms. Ellyjoy Kithure – Women's rights technical adviser, Action Aid Kenya
• Professor Ambreena Manji – Director, BIEA
Download the full Report on the Gender Forum: Can Kenya’s GDP Grow by 50%? Yes. If We Took Account of Unpaid Care Work
Download the Key Presentation: Prof. Ambreena Manji Presentation on Recognising Care Work