Double Shift: Hidden Struggle of Working Women

Pooja Shrestha

Recently, a photo of a Nepali woman peeling peas while stuck in traffic on her scooter went viral on social media. Similarly, an image of an Indian woman police officer managing a stampede while carrying her one-year-old child is also gaining attention. Many people in the comments are calling them "supermom" and "superwoman." But is this really fair? Instead of glorifying such struggles, we should ask: Where is the family? Where is the community? Where is her partner? Why are women expected to carry this double burden of work and home responsibilities?

Talking about our context, Nepali women also have advanced significantly in the workplace, rising to prominence in various professions and into executive ranks. And despite all their accomplishments, most of them still feel the weight of a "double shift," working full days on the job but caring for the home in the evenings. This perpetual burden brings massive physical, mental, and emotional stress on women, oftentimes leading to burnout and exhaustion.

Women in the Workforce: Progress and Challenges

Today, women actively contribute to sectors like business, technology, healthcare, and education. They take on demanding roles, meet deadlines, attend meetings, and play a crucial part in their organizations' growth. However, despite their hard work, they still encounter workplace challenges such as the gender pay gap, fewer leadership opportunities, and biases that make career advancement difficult.

Once their professional responsibilities end, many women return home to another set of duties. Studies show that women continue to perform the majority of household chores, including cooking, cleaning, childcare, and elderly care. This remains true even in households where both partners work full-time. The unequal division of domestic labor reinforces traditional gender roles, making it harder for women to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The Impact of the Double Shift on Women’s Well-being

Constantly juggling professional and personal responsibilities can take a toll on women's physical and mental health. The lack of rest and personal time leads to stress, exhaustion, and even long-term health issues.  The rise of PCOD and PCOS and other hormonal issues among women are few examples on impact of double shift. Many women sacrifice their hobbies, social lives, and self-care to fulfill their responsibilities, which affects their overall happiness and career aspirations. 

Women are often depicted in media and television as "superwomen" who can ideally combine work and domestic life. This unattainable notion adds more burden to women, as in-laws or families sometimes demand that working women should do everything easily. The ideal "Bahu" or "Buhari" of television serials is the one who earns, settles debts of family and cooks like chef. But practically, performing both tasks without help is very difficult. It is now more important than ever to educate boys and men about traditional gender roles and help them understand that household responsibilities are not solely a woman's duty.

Lack of Support for Working Mothers

For women with children, the challenge becomes even more difficult. Many workplaces lack favorable policies that support mothers. Only a few organizations offer childcare facilities or flexible work arrangements. Maternity breaks can also impact career growth, as women returning to work may face discrimination and bias.

Many working mothers struggle with judgment from colleagues who do not understand their responsibilities. For example, a mother who leaves work on time to care for her child may face criticism or teasing, making her feel guilty or inadequate. I have experienced humiliation from my male colleague, who would mockingly point at the clock and say, "Looks like it's time for you to leave now," making me feel uncomfortable and singled out. However, this perception is not due to a lack of competence but rather a reflection of patriarchal attitudes in the workplace. 

Need for Supportive Workplace Policies

Many organizations support women's empowerment and aim to see more women in leadership positions. Then they must also implement policies that genuinely support women at different stages of their lives. The same policies cannot apply to unmarried women, married women, and mothers, as their needs are different. Just as different animals require different eating utensils, for example a cat cannot take from a container which is too deep, that is be convenient for egret. thus, women at different phases of life need tailored workplace policies.

Organizations should introduce flexible work hours, parental leave, and remote work options to help women manage both their jobs and family life. Paid parental leave lets women care for their families without giving up their careers. Currently, women get three months of paid leave, but the government recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding, which does not align. Therefore, it is crucial that we should advocate for six months of paid maternity leave. Remote work options provide greater flexibility, reducing stress and improving job satisfaction. Organizations should also provide on-site childcare, lactation rooms, and mentorship programs to support working mothers. Encouraging a culture of work-life balance by reducing excessive overtime expectations and providing mental health support can also improve overall well-being and gender equality in the workplace.

Moving Towards Gender Equality

The double shift remains a major challenge for women worldwide. While progress has been made, much still needs to be done. Hence, it is crucial to teach our young boys about the double shift that women face, balancing work and household responsibilities, helps build a more equal society. When boys learn early to share domestic duties and caregiving, they grow into men who support gender equity at home and work. This change reduces the burden on women and promotes healthier relationships and communities. A collective effort from families, workplaces, and society is essential to ensure that women are not overburdened and can thrive both professionally and personally. True gender equality can only be achieved when society recognizes and values the invisible labor that women perform every day.

(Vice President of Hami DajuVai, Shrestha is a PhD Scholar in Gender Studies from TU)