WISE launched its latest research report “Contribution of Women Domestic Workers in Unpaid Care Work”. Dr. Shahla Tabassum, Head of Gender Studies Department, Fatima Jinnah University – the lead researcher presented the report findings.

Sharing key findings, she revealed the substantial economic worth of Women Domestic Workers contributions in Care Economy. According to research findings, 90% women spend 6 hours on average on unpaid care work within their homes, making it 180 hours/per month, valuing Rs.27,693/per month minimum wage set by the Punjab govt. The results showed total time spent every month on these activities by 209 respondents (women domestic workers). For Domestic care dimension, four major sub-indices; cleaning, washing, ironing and cooking, a total 13154 hours were spent valuing Rs. 2.02 million. Similarly, for Child care dimension, 52,058 hours were spent valuing Rs. 8.01 million. For elderly care 9470 hours were spent valuing Rs.1.4 million and for Care of people with special needs, a total 26729 hours were spent by the 209 women at worth of Rs.4.11 million.

Among panelists, were Bushra Khaliq – Executive Director WISE, Muhammad Shahid – Senior Law Officer, Labour & Human Resource Department Punjab, Ashfaq Hussain Bokhari – Deputy Director Planning, Directorate of Women Development Department Punjab, Ms. Aima Mahmood– member Governing Body PESSI, Ms. Shahnaz Bibi – President, Women Domestic Workers Union, Punjab, Ms. Zeba Ghafoor – Member Punjab Assembly and Senior journalist Ajmal Sattar shared their views on the report.