Exploring Unpaid Work, Work Burden and Gender Division of Work in Rural Arunachal Pradesh

The increase in women’s participation in domestic activities in India from 51.8 percent in 2005 to 59.7 percent in 2012 highlights the increased burden of household chores, caregiving, and non-SNA (System of National Accounts)work for women. Indian women engage in unpaid labour for an average of 351.9 minutes a day, compared to men’s 51.8 minutes, according to an OECD survey from 2012. This pattern is also evident in tribal areas of North East India, such as Arunachal Pradesh, where women engage in various forest-related activities. However, these women face difficulties due to unpaid labour and work overload. The unequal distribution of unpaid work not only strains women but also restricts their opportunities for economic empowerment and personal growth. The study conducted in four areas of Lohit, East Siang, Lower Subansiri, and West Kameng, used time utilization data to recognize women’s tasks and duties. The results showed significant work burdens for women in non-SNA and extended SNA jobs, with high prevalence among respondents according to their reported time patterns.