Across Nigeria, millions of women are performing work worth billions of naira - but they're not getting paid for it. This invisible economic engine, known as unpaid care work, represents both a massive burden and an unprecedented opportunity for Nigeria's development.
The Hidden Economy in Nigerian Households
From dawn until late at night, Nigerian women and girls are cooking, cleaning, fetching water, caring for children and elderly relatives, and managing households. This essential work keeps families functioning and communities stable, yet it remains largely unrecognized in economic calculations.
The statistics are staggering: Nigerian women spend approximately four times more hours on unpaid care work than men. This disproportionate burden creates what economists call the "care penalty" - limiting women's ability to participate in paid employment, advance in careers, or pursue education and skills development.
International Day of Care: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria
The recent International Day of Care spotlighted this critical issue, with development experts urging Nigerian policymakers to take immediate action. The message is clear: recognizing and redistributing care work isn't just about gender equality - it's about economic intelligence.
"When we invest in care infrastructure and policies, we're not just supporting women - we're investing in Nigeria's entire economic future," explains Dr. Amina Mohammed, a development economist specializing in gender issues.
Three Pathways to Economic Transformation
- Invest in Care Infrastructure: Building childcare centers, improving water access, and expanding electricity coverage can dramatically reduce women's unpaid work hours
- Promote Shared Responsibility: Cultural shifts and policies that encourage men to participate equally in household work
- Formalize Care Work: Creating paid employment opportunities in the care economy
The Ripple Effect on Nigeria's Economy
When women are freed from excessive unpaid care responsibilities, the economic benefits multiply. More women enter and remain in the workforce, household incomes rise, businesses gain access to a larger talent pool, and government tax revenues increase.
The potential impact is enormous: Studies suggest that closing gender gaps in labor force participation could add billions to Nigeria's GDP. This isn't just a women's issue - it's a national development priority that affects every Nigerian.
As Nigeria continues its economic transformation journey, addressing the care economy may be one of the most strategic investments the country can make. The time has come to stop treating care work as women's unpaid duty and start recognizing it as the economic foundation it truly represents.
