South Africa's coronavirus recovery strategy ought to factor in the value of women's unrecognized labor contributions
South Africa is approaching one of the longest and hardest lockdowns globally due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the country's economy expected to contract by approximately 6% this year. Amidst these challenging times, a researcher and economist at the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), Busi Sibeko, is highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of the economic crisis: the role of women's labour and the care economy.
According to Sibeko, the formal economy has stopped producing, but there is still production happening at a household level. Women's work, including unpaid care work, is not currently being calculated in terms of its contribution to the South African economy. This work, which encompasses childcare, elder care, and housekeeping, is considered indispensable to society but is not included in the country's ledger books.
Sibeko argues that the contraction of the economy during the pandemic is a feminist issue. Women are still invisible in the important discussion of a just transition plan for workers in South Africa, with the plan primarily considering those in carbon-intense industries, which are mostly male-dominated. This lack of consideration for women's roles in the economy could exacerbate the economic fallout, as many as a million people might lose their jobs due to the slow-down in production.
British journalist and feminist author Helen Lewis echoes this sentiment, stating that if these hours of work resulted in money in women's pockets, the economy would look different, and women would have more autonomy in their lives.
Investing in the 'care economy' could help relieve women of the economic fallout of unpaid care work. This could be achieved by providing affordable and accessible childcare for children aged between three and five years, and care support for the elderly. A 2016 study by the International Trade Union Confederation found that investing 2% of a country's GDP in the care economy has the potential to create over 21 million jobs and help countries overcome the challenges of aging populations.
However, the care economy is not currently being considered as a solution to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women in South Africa. The government's financial rescue package should extend beyond support for children to social grants for pregnant women, according to Sibeko. An IEJ analysis shows that extending social grants to pregnant women in South Africa could support an additional 670,000 people during the economic and public health crisis.
Moreover, Sibeko emphasises the need for long-term structural changes to the South African economy to achieve climate justice. The notion of 'work' should be redefined to include work that creates a society and takes up a person's time.
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is currently conducting research on enhanced health and welfare support for pregnant women in South Africa. This focus on pregnant women is crucial, as they are a vulnerable group during the pandemic, and support is essential to ensure their wellbeing and that of their unborn children.
In conclusion, as the world grapples with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, it is essential to consider the role of women's labour and the care economy in South Africa. By investing in these areas, we can help alleviate the economic burden on women and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
