Invisible Burdens

Invisible Burdens: Quantifying Women's Unpaid Labour and the Statistical Paradox of Empowerment examines the hidden yet critical role of women's unpaid labour in sustaining households and economies. Despite significant progress in education and employment, women continue to bear a disproportionate share of domestic, caregiving, and emotional responsibilities work that remains largely invisible in economic measurement and policy discourse. The book introduces the concept of the paradox of empowerment, arguing that increased opportunities have not been matched by a redistribution of responsibilities. Instead, many women experience a "double burden" of paid and unpaid work, along with growing psychological and emotional strain. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from economics, statistics, sociology, and gender studies, and supported by empirical evidence (particularly from India), the book highlights the need to redefine empowerment beyond participation to include recognition, redistribution, and well-being.