South Africa's care economy runs largely on women's shoulders, whether that work is paid or not.
South Africa's care economy runs largely on women's shoulders, whether that work is paid or not, and the burden continues to shape women's ability to participate in the labour market.
Statistics South Africa's latest Gender Series XIII: Gender Disparities in Care Work in South Africa, 2015–2026 shows that women remain heavily concentrated in both paid care occupations and unpaid household responsibilities.
The care economy covers work ranging from childcare and eldercare to healthcare, education, social services and domestic work. It includes both paid workers and unpaid family members caring for children, older people, people with disabilities and those who are ill.
"The care economy is an essential component of South Africa's economy and society, encompassing a wide range of activities that provide care, support and services to people throughout their lives," said the agency.
