Hatcliffe women's socio-economic empowerment: exploring the effects of unpaid care and domestic work

Author

Mahupa, Takunda E.

Title

Hatcliffe women's socio-economic empowerment: exploring the effects of unpaid care and domestic work

Abstract

Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) encompasses important household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, and eldercare, duties primarily performed by women, yet consistently undervalued in economic and policy frameworks. The drudgery of UCDW plays a significant role in limiting women’s socio-economic opportunities. This study explored the effects of UCDW on women’s socio-economic empowerment in Hatcliffe high-density suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe, where many women juggle domestic duties with informal income-generating activities under harsh economic conditions.
Despite the increasing global recognition of UCDW, there remains a critical research gap at the local level in Zimbabwe, especially in high-density and low-income communities like Hatcliffe. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent to which UCDW limits women’s participation in formal employment, to examine how UCDW affects women’s access to education and socio-economic status, and to identify strategies and recommendations for policymakers to ease the burden of UCDW on women and promote gender equality.
The research employed a mixed-methods approach using 50 structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative findings revealed that 82% of women reported spending more than 6 hours daily on unpaid care work, which significantly limits their ability to pursue formal employment. Only 14% of respondents were engaged in full-time formal employment, while the majority relied on informal income sources. Additionally, 68% of women cited UCDW as a barrier to accessing education or vocational training. Qualitative data underscored how entrenched gender roles and lack of supportive infrastructure (e.g. affordable childcare) exacerbate the load of care work.
The study concludes that UCDW significantly hinders women’s economic and educational advancement, perpetuating gender inequalities. It recommends that policymakers invest in public services such as affordable community childcare centers and integrate UCDW recognition into local development planning. Addressing UCDW is not only a gender equity issue but also key to unlocking economic potential in communities like Hatcliffe

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Unpaid Care

Domestic Work

Socio-Economic

Women

Supervisor

Dr P. Mukwenyi