Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Women Bear Brunt of Unpaid Festive Labour in India
In India, women do a lot of unpaid work at home, like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of others.
This work is especially busy during the festive seasons.
Studies show that women spend about 4.8 hours a day on this unpaid work, while men spend only 1.5 hours.
This big difference affects women's ability to work, study, and enjoy free time.
The 2019 Time Use Survey found that women spend 46% of their waking hours on unpaid work, which is about eight times more than men.
This pattern is not just a small issue; it's a big part of how society works in India.
Women in India spend 4.8 hours daily on unpaid domestic work during festive seasons, compared to 1.5 hours for men.
The 2019 Time Use Survey found women aged 15-59 spend 46% of their waking hours on unpaid work, eight times more than men.
A 2024 survey recorded women spending 289 minutes daily on unpaid domestic services, while men spent just 88 minutes.
This unpaid work significantly impacts women's ability to work, study, and participate in public life.
The pattern of unpaid domestic work is a structural reality in Indian households, not a small add-on.
- Who
- Women in India aged 15-59
- What
- Unpaid domestic and care work during festive seasons
- When
- Festive seasons, particularly October to December
- Where
- India
- Why
- Structural gender roles and societal expectations
- Average Daily Unpaid Work Hours (Women)
- 4.8 hours
- Average Daily Unpaid Work Hours (Men)
- 1.5 hours
- Percentage of Waking Hours on Unpaid Work (Women)
- 46%
- Time Use Survey Year
- 2019
- Recent Survey Year
- 2024
- Age Group Studied
- 15-59 years
- Ratio of Unpaid Work Between Women and Men
- 8:1