The unpaid, unrecognised burden of the women-led care economy of India

During the SheSparks 2026 event, Ranjana Kumari, a prominent social activist and political scientist, addressed a critical issue.

She highlighted the significant yet often unrecognized contributions of women to India's GDP.

Kumari urged for a broader acknowledgment of the unpaid labor that women provide, particularly in the care economy.

This sector includes various forms of caregiving, such as:

  • Childcare
  • Household management
  • Elderly care
  • Community support

Recognizing these contributions is essential for achieving gender equality and enhancing economic policies.

Kumari's call to action stresses the need for societal change to value women's work appropriately.