Introduction to the Issue
In Mexico, 58% of working women are part of the informal sector. This statistic underscores an unequal scenario where female workers face significant challenges balancing work and domestic responsibilities.
The Gender Divide in Household Chores
Estrella Vázquez, founder and CEO of Time2Grow, explains that in dual-income households, women shoulder double the domestic responsibilities. According to Vázquez, “Statistics show that women work 43 hours at home weekly, equating to a double shift, while men contribute only 17 hours to household chores.”
In an interview with El Economista, Vázquez elaborated on the issue. She pointed out that in 80% of cases where a parent leaves their job to care for children, it’s the women who step down from their positions. This stems from societal expectations that force women to choose between being present mothers or committed professionals.
Proposed Solutions for a More Balanced Work Environment
Support Networks: Organizations should create spaces for employees to care for their children on school holidays or when they lack alternative childcare options.
Shared Responsibility: Implement policies that encourage teamwork in parenting and household tasks, involving both parents equally.
Financial Support or Well-being Programs: Develop policies such as family leave that allows parents to be present during childcare and home responsibilities, promoting shared responsibility and teamwork.
Mental Health: With 70% of working women diagnosed with chronic stress (IMSS), organizations should offer accessible mental health days, either free or at a reasonable cost.
Vázquez emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as such, listening to their needs, and acting accordingly.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation for working women in Mexico? 58% of female workers are in the informal sector, facing significant challenges balancing work and domestic responsibilities.
- Why are women shouldering more domestic responsibilities? Societal expectations force women to choose between being present mothers or committed professionals, leading to an unequal scenario.
- What solutions are proposed to address this issue? Support networks, shared responsibility policies, financial support or well-being programs, and mental health initiatives are suggested.
- Why is it crucial to treat individuals as such in the workplace? Listening to employees’ needs and acting accordingly fosters a more balanced, supportive work environment.
