Caring is a beautiful act, but it can become overwhelming when one person bears the majority of the responsibility. Our society is not structured to support women or individuals with diverse needs. For mothers of children with disabilities, this can result in a triple burden: managing unpaid care and household tasks, holding a job, and facing additional challenges in caring for their child.
Bangladesh’s decision to officially include women’s unpaid care and household work in its GDP calculations for the upcoming fiscal year is a significant step. It prompts a critical conversation about the often overlooked intersectional issues at play.
Unpaid care and domestic work involve various household responsibilities, looking after family members, and maintaining the household. While individuals of all genders contribute to such tasks, traditional gender roles persist in Bangladeshi households. Studies show that women perform seven times more unpaid care work than men in the country.
Despite being essential, this labor remains unseen by the public and the economy. In Bangladesh, women’s unpaid care and household work were valued at Tk 5,307 billion, equivalent to 14.8% of the GDP in 2021, while men’s contribution in this regard was only 2.8%. Globally, women’s unpaid work could have generated at least $10.9 trillion in earnings in 2019 if compensated, according to Oxfam.
Caring for children, especially those with disabilities, requires exceptional skills, empathy, and strength. However, this crucial care often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition impacting communication, social interactions, and behavior. Although the Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2013, recognizes ASD as a disability in Bangladesh, the promised support services have not materialized. Children with ASD struggle to access their rights, leaving their primary caregivers, often mothers, to navigate the challenges alone.
The quality of care for children, as highlighted in a 2017 study, suffers when there is an imbalance between paid and unpaid work. Mothers of children with ASD, facing additional stigma and barriers, often experience significant mental health challenges, which are frequently overlooked.
Mothers in low-income or single-parent households often face the dual pressure of caregiving and the need to work for survival. Many lack viable job opportunities due to a lack of understanding and flexibility from employers. This situation leads to physical and mental strain, impacting their overall well-being.
Support systems are essential for mothers of children with ASD. Society needs to rethink its approach to disability, showing empathy and understanding in public spaces and providing practical and emotional support. Workplaces should offer tailored policies, and families must share caregiving responsibilities to alleviate the burden on mothers.
Addressing the needs of children with ASD and their caregivers requires societal and policy changes, including accessible childcare, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, inclusive schools, and supportive infrastructure. It is crucial to create an environment where mothers of children with ASD can thrive and receive the necessary support.