Gender equality in the G20 – Additional analysis from the time dimension

Co-authored paper prepared for the 2nd meeting of the G20 Employment Working Group under the Japanese G20 presidency (Tokyo, 22-24 April 2019)

Looking after spouses, partners, children or other family members can be rewarding for the care provider and beneficial for those who receive the care. Care is indispensable to human wellbeing and the development of people’s capabilities to lead the life they find valuable. It is equally necessary for the existence and reproduction of societies and for a healthy and productive workforce. However, depending on who provides the care and for how many hours a day, unpaid care work can prevent or reduce the chances of people with family responsibilities to engage, remain and progress in paid employment.

This note examines how the unequal distribution of unpaid care work between women and men in G20 countries affects their respective levels and patterns of participation in, and rewards from, the labour market. Achieving a suitable balance between paid work and care for children, older or disabled persons is a common challenge for workers, especially women workers, in many G20 countries.