A STUDY ON THE CARE ECONOMY AND WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE LABOUR FORCE IN ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study In recent years, one of the most remarkable developments globally has been the steady rise in the number of women participating in the workforce. The increased engagement of women in paid employment has been reshaping labour patterns and gradually closing the gap in labour force participation rates between men and women. During the 1980s and early 1990s, this expansion in female labour force participation was more pronounced than that of men across nearly every region of the world, with the exception of Africa. In many highly industrialised countries, this trend has been linked to the successful completion of the fertility transition. However, in certain developing countries, fertility rates have either declined slowly or stagnated (Asongu & Odhiambo, 2020). Despite notable progress in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the global rate of female labour force participation dropped by over 10% between 1990 and 2021. According to recent figures, 48.5% of women aged 25 and above are currently active in the labour force, compared to 83.4% of men in the same age category. Additionally, around 64% of employed women are concentrated in the informal sector, where they are more likely to be in low-paid, insecure jobs lacking formal social protection (ESCAP, 2019a). In Nigeria, women's workforce participation—whether in formal or informal employment—is often coupled with their responsibilities in caregiving. Nigerian women, more than those in many other parts of the world, invest significant time in both paid and unpaid caregiving and domestic tasks. On average, women contribute four times as much unpaid care and domestic labour as men. This additional burden compels many women to juggle paid jobs with disproportionately high unpaid domestic responsibilities (ESCAP, 2021b). If unpaid care and household labour were included in the GDP calculations for the Asia-Pacific region, it would contribute an estimated $3.8 trillion to the economy. However, deeply rooted gender roles and social norms continue to place the bulk of caregiving and household duties on women, limiting their full engagement in the workforce. Historically, regions like Abeokuta have maintained traditional gender roles, where women are mainly responsible for home and caregiving duties, while men are regarded as the primary earners (Awotona, 2018). This imbalance creates significant challenges for women in managing their caregiving obligations alongside paid work, resulting in lower participation rates in the labour market compared to men. Recent research has highlighted the complex relationship between the care economy and women's workforce participation. Studies have shown that access to affordable and reliable care services is vital in enabling women to engage more fully in economic activities. However, cultural and institutional constraints also play a role in shaping women's labour market experiences. Patriarchal societal structures often limit women’s access to education, vocational training, and job opportunities, further exacerbating gender disparities in employment. Understanding the broader socio-cultural landscape is essential for creating effective policies aimed at improving gender equality and economic empowerment for women in Abeokuta. Based on this background, this study aims to explore the relationship between the care economy and female labour participation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The care economy, which encompasses both unpaid caregiving and formal care services, plays a pivotal yet frequently overlooked role in shaping labour market dynamics, particularly concerning women's workforce participation. In Abakaliki, Nigeria, where traditional gender roles and cultural expectations still strongly influence everyday life, examining this relationship is critical for advancing gender equity and economic development (Adekanye, 2014). Despite the importance of this subject, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that investigate the direct impact of the care economy on women’s labour participation in Abakaliki. Past research has often failed to offer deep insights into the specific challenges and opportunities that women face as they try to balance caregiving with paid employment in this local context. The low rate of female labour force participation in Abakaliki raises pressing questions about the factors contributing to this issue (Aidoo-Mensah, 2018). Clarifying how unpaid care work impacts women’s employment outcomes is essential for crafting policy solutions that promote equitable access to economic opportunities (Akanle, 2018). Access to affordable, high-quality formal care services—like daycare and eldercare support—is likely to influence women’s work decisions, yet there is a lack of research into the availability and quality of such services in Abakaliki. Identifying the barriers women face in accessing these services can inform policy measures aimed at enhancing their economic participation. In addition, prevailing socio-cultural norms and institutional barriers continue to shape gendered expectations around work and caregiving. These norms may either support or restrict women's ability to participate in paid work. Thus, examining the interplay between socio-cultural norms, institutional structures, and women's employment outcomes is essential to creating culturally sensitive policies that promote gender equality and economic empowerment. In light of this, the present study investigates the relationship between the care economy and female labour participation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. . 1.3 Objectives of the Study The primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the care economy and female labour participation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. . The specific objectives include: i. To evaluate how caregiving responsibilities affect women’s ability to pursue paid employment and advance in their careers in Abakaliki. ii. To examine the relationship between the care economy and female labour force participation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. . iii. To explore the influence of socio-cultural norms on women’s experiences in the labour market in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. How does care work affect women's ability to participate in paid employment and achieve career growth in Abakaliki? ii. What is the nature of the relationship between the care economy and female labour force participation in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.? iii. How do socio-cultural norms influence women's experiences in the labour market in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study holds importance for several stakeholders: Policymakers: The research will provide valuable insights into how the care economy impacts female labour force participation. These findings can guide the formulation of gender-responsive policies and programs designed to reduce the burden of unpaid care work and increase women’s access to formal care services. Such initiatives could boost female labour force participation and promote inclusive economic development in Abakaliki. Ministry of Women Affairs: The study can help empower women by highlighting the structural challenges and potential opportunities that shape their labour force engagement. By raising awareness of the links between caregiving and economic participation, women may become better informed about their rights, working conditions, and career choices. This knowledge can strengthen their ability to advocate for supportive workplace practices and community policies. Academic Community: The research contributes to the growing body of literature on gender, care work, and employment, offering fresh empirical data for further scholarly exploration. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research focuses specifically on the care economy and female labour participation within Abeokuta, Ogun State. It examines how caregiving responsibilities influence women's involvement in paid work, the connection between the care economy and labour force participation, and the role of socio-cultural norms in shaping women’s labour market experiences. Geographically, the study is limited to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.. 1.7 Limitations of the Study Like most academic work, this study faced a few limitations: Time Constraints: The researcher had to manage the demands of academic coursework and other school obligations alongside the research process, which limited the time available for data collection and analysis. Financial Constraints: The study incurred costs related to typesetting, printing, literature search, and data collection, which posed financial challenges. Limited Access to Materials: The researcher encountered difficulties sourcing relevant literature due to the limited availability of academic resources on this specific topic. 1.8 Definition of Terms Care Economy: This refers to all economic activities related to the provision of care, including both unpaid domestic tasks like cooking and caregiving, as well as paid services such as professional childcare and eldercare. Female Labour Participation: This term describes the extent to which women are involved in the workforce, whether through employment or by actively seeking jobs. Unpaid Care Work: These are caregiving and household duties—such as childcare, eldercare, cooking, and cleaning—that are performed without any form of financial remuneration. Formal Care Services: These refer to paid, professional care services provided by licensed institutions or agencies, including daycare centres, nursing homes, and home healthcare providers. Socio-Cultural Norms: These are the unwritten rules, traditions, and beliefs that shape expectations around roles and responsibilities within a society, particularly regarding gender and family dynamics. Labour Force Participation Rate: This is the proportion of working-age individuals (usually aged 15–64) who are either employed or actively looking for work. It serves as a key indicator of a population’s engagement in economic activity.