Monetization of women’s unpaid work and time use survey in Gairsain block of Garhwal Himalayas

Shiv Narayan Sidh, Government Degree College

In this paper we have attempted to monetise women’s unpaid work and to throw light on gender division of labour in rural areas of Gairsain Block. In-depth interviews with women (daughters, daughter-in-laws and mother-in-laws) as well men have been conducted in local dialect (Garhwali) for this purpose. Time Use Survey is used as a methodology for the data collection. Further analysis is done with the help of opportunity cost and output method for measuring and imputation of women’s unpaid work. From this qualitative study we found that in most cases women are breadwinner, earning 1.8 times more than their male counterparts, with no leisure. Entire collection activities viz. fodder and fuel wood, household work, care activities are carried out by women. Policies must address the specific problems of fodder and fuel wood by promoting renewable and non conventional energy resources and involving grass root participation.