I believe that uplifting women politically and economically to create a gender responsive atmosphere is a reality, but when shall the burden of domestic labour or triple role of women be considered as work? Although it takes much of their time and sups a lot of their energies, it's never recognized as "work" and therefore not paid. Despite women increased labour input into non paid work their main burden of domestic work in household has been treated by the community, husband or partners as a minor issue. Most men whose wives or partners don't go for public office jobs always have a brand name for them. When asked what they do for a living, their answer is always "my wife does not work" forgetting the reality on the ground.

The exploitative conditions of work women have had to grapple with in house holds often lead to subordinate position in society yet we can not forget the fact that "WOMEN ARE THE SOURCE OF HAPPINESS IN EVERY FAMILY". The division of labour in the domestic chores including childcare is rarely negotiated between female and male (gender). Women whether married or unmarried have continued to balance both domestic and public work and even community work for that matter. The feminist "super women", one who suits in two separate spheres at the same time, one who changes "faces" whenever culture calls upon her when ever it deems appropriate.

Gender inequality in domestic cores remains unchecked and women's non-paid domestic labour remains un-recognized. As a matter of fact, women are the key farmers, food producers and natural resource manager who do not even own key resources like land where such activities occur. In the actual sense, women produces 60-80% of domestically produced food, provide nearly half the farm labour and shoulder over 90% of the domestic responsibilities. And if you and me have been keen to observe, it's the men who advertise themselves on road constructions or building sights as "men at work" even when behind the signpost there is a woman cooking. Therefore when exactly shall women be at work, for us to give them what their lives are worth for?

Written by

Abalo Innocent Catherine

Outgoing Committee Member - MUGSA (Makerere University Gender Student Association)

BA (SS) III

Tel: 0772606979