Unpaid care work is not a burden

It all began in 2017 at the 61st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where MMM was invited as a speaker to a side-event organized by Switzerland. This provided us with the opportunity for an open discussion with the diplomats involved in the negotiations, and the word ‘burden’ disappeared from the CSW61 agreed conclusions.

We have continued our fight against the use of this word, rallying other Civil Society Organizations, and getting resolutions and other UN documents amended, including at the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, which has just closed.

Our rationale

We should stop associating the word ‘burden’ with ‘unpaid care work’ – for 2 mains reasons:

1. Although the drudgery of such domestic tasks like fetching water or collecting wood must indeed be recognized and addressed, unpaid care work is about caring for people, children, and older persons in particular; it is therefore essential, valuable and meaningful work, which sustains our society and the economy, and it must absolutely be recognized as such rather than a ‘burden’ – the word ‘burden’ devalues the work of Care
2. If we want to engage men in doing their fair share, we must present it as valuable – if not always enjoyable – work, rather than a ‘burden’!

In addition, we at MMM argue that unpaid care work develops vital skills, soft skills/life skills in particular, of huge importance in the labour market. These include organizational, human relations & empathy, even negotiation skills….In fact, unpaid care work should be considered as valuable work experience!

Language is critical as it shapes people’s perceptions of an issue and how it will be addressed. Hence our advocacy work against the use of this word.

Today, the word ‘burden’ has mostly disappeared from the UN language, even if it still pops up here and there.

It is all the more important as the issue of the inequitable distribution of unpaid care work has gained visibility and is now on the global agenda.