Topic: 2024-Unpaid Care and Domestic Work
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Abigail McKinney
According to UN Women, approximately 2.8 hours are spent on unpaid care and domestic work by women than by men. This number is projected to progress at a disappointingly slow pace, lowering to 2.3 hours by 2050. This gender gap is most pronounced in lower-middle income countries, likely due to the emphasis on traditional gender roles resulting from limited educational opportunities. Even with the projected improvement, efforts to divide the work more evenly are lacking. Instead, progress is solely attributed to technological advancements that will reduce the time women spend on these chores, while men are not expected to contribute more. The current trajectory shows men increasing their time spent on these tasks by an average of only 13 minutes by 2100.
Italy is committed to improving these conditions, not only within our nation but also by seeking global solutions. We acknowledge having the largest gender gap for unpaid care and domestic work in Europe and aim to address the root causes of this inequality.
A significant factor contributing to global gender inequality is the gender gap in unpaid domestic work, where women disproportionately shoulder the burden. This disparity stems from gender stereotypes and the expectation that women are primarily responsible for household chores. Agenda 2030 seeks to reduce this gender gap under Sustainable Development Goal 5, “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” This goal targets the dismantling of gender stereotypes that perpetuate the unequal division of unpaid care and domestic work.
Beyond household chores, the Caring Across Generations organization advocates for a comprehensive care system for the elderly and disabled. This initiative would alleviate the burden on women who are often forced to provide unpaid care due to familial obligations. Despite the significant time and energy invested in unpaid care and domestic work, these activities are not recognized as “economic activity” and are not factored into a country’s GDP. Consequently, many nations are less inclined to address the issue, as it does not directly contribute to their global standing. The European Institute for Gender Equality has proposed increasing the number of full-time care positions, which would not only reduce the gender employment gap and provide paid work for many women but also contribute to national GDP.
Historically, Italy has struggled to break free from the stereotype of women as housewives and mothers.
Italy emphasizes the importance of member states working together to challenge the social stereotypes that perpetuate gender inequality and to create opportunities for women to share the burden of unpaid domestic work. These changes must be implemented at all levels. We commend the efforts of local NGOs working to promote gender equality. Additionally, nations should collaborate internationally to address the global issue of gender inequality. Italy recognizes the importance of implementing measures to bridge the gender gap in unpaid care and domestic work and acknowledges the crucial role of women in driving economic growth.
