At SheSparks 2026, social activist and political scientist Ranjana Kumari shed light on the significant economic contributions of women in India, which often go unrecognised. Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research, emphasized the need to acknowledge the ‘care economy’ and its impact on India’s GDP.
Kumari highlighted that domestic labor is traditionally considered a woman’s duty. She argues that this care economy, which involves managing homes and surroundings, is the foundation upon which other economies are built. However, it lacks economic recognition and benefits for the women involved.
During her address at SheSparks, YourStory’s flagship summit for women, Kumari posed a question: “What if all the women in the world refuse to do this? They decide to stop caring for and managing their surroundings. Imagine the consequences!”
Kumari’s analysis of labor density data from the International Labour Organization revealed that only one-third of women in India are considered part of the workforce. She contested this statistic, asserting that every woman in India works, but their contributions in the care economy remain invisible and unrecognised. Kumari likened women to the CEOs of their households, underscoring their multifaceted roles.
Kumari’s team estimated the unrecognized labor of the care economy in India to be a staggering $10 trillion, a figure she describes as conservative. This amount exceeds the value of numerous industries and conglomerates combined, illustrating the substantial contribution of women to the GDP that goes uncounted.
Kumari shared an anecdote about a conversation with the French ambassador regarding the emotional costs borne by women. She highlighted the emotional toll women face in ensuring their families are cared for, from children’s education to the well-being of elderly parents and in-laws.
Kumari stressed the injustice of placing such a large volume of labor solely on women’s shoulders. She advocated for official recognition of women’s work by the country and policymakers to alleviate their burden. Kumari questioned the basis for the expectation that women should dedicate their lives to unpaid care work, calling for a restructuring and redistribution of labor.
Kumari advocated for economic benefits for women’s care work. Policies should be structured to address the specific needs of women, such as ensuring access to water for women in rural areas who travel long distances to obtain it.
Kumari concluded by calling for greater representation of women in institutions like Parliament, advocating for women to occupy front spaces and prioritize their own needs and voices.
About the Author
