The Burden of Time Poverty on Women’s Health in Asia
Accessing healthcare should be a basic right, yet for millions of women in Asia, it remains an uphill battle due to economic, social, and cultural barriers. From time poverty to economic insecurity, geographical isolation to cultural stigma, these obstacles make it difficult for women to receive the medical care they need. As a result, many suffer in silence, enduring preventable conditions that could have been addressed with timely intervention. How much longer can these issues be ignored?
Time poverty leads to health neglect
Time poverty, driven by the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work, severely limits women’s ability to seek medical care. Many women juggle childcare, elder care, and household duties, leaving them little time to prioritize their own health. This results in delayed medical attention, poor nutrition, and heightened stress levels—all of which contribute to long-term health problems.
A 2020 study published in Global Health journal defines time poverty as the lack of sufficient time to engage in activities that promote personal well-being, such as rest, leisure, and self-care, due to the overwhelming demands of both paid and unpaid work. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women and girls worldwide, who often shoulder the majority of unpaid domestic responsibilities alongside their professional duties.
Global disparities in unpaid labor
The report indicated that from a young age, girls are socialized to take on caretaking roles. Globally, girls aged 10 to 14 spend 50% more time on household chores than boys of the same age. As they grow older, this disparity persists. In developed countries, women spend twice as many hours per day on unpaid work compared to men; in developing nations, this figure rises to 3.4 times as many hours.
Double burden of employment and domestic duties
Even with increasing female participation in the paid workforce, women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid care work. This dual burden often results in longer working days for women compared to men. In rural Pakistan, 37% of employed women are considered time poor, compared to 19% of employed men, primarily because women maintain their domestic responsibilities regardless of employment status. Additionally, a study in China found that gender differences in housework-related activities accounted for 27% to 28% of the gender earnings gap.
Health implications of time poverty
Time poverty has significant repercussions for women’s health through various pathways, including
Delayed healthcare seeking – Domestic responsibilities can leave little time for women to seek medical care, leading to self-neglect. One study in the US found that almost one-quarter of American women reported delaying or not seeking health care due to insufficient time. Among pregnant South African women, daily chores such as fetching water and fieldwork have been shown to decrease the use of prenatal care.
Mental health strain – The constant juggling of paid work and unpaid domestic duties can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of leisure time reduces opportunities for relaxation and mental rejuvenation, exacerbating mental health issues.
Nutritional neglect – Time-constrained women may resort to quick, less nutritious meal options, negatively impacting their dietary health.
Physical health deterioration – Insufficient time for rest and exercise can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
An issue of policy and societal change
Urgent policy changes, increased investment in women’s healthcare infrastructure, and culturally sensitive medical practices are essential to breaking down these barriers. Gender-sensitive social protection schemes, education initiatives, and economic reforms can make healthcare more accessible. More importantly, shifting societal attitudes toward women’s health—particularly mental health—can create a more supportive environment where seeking care is no longer met with stigma or shame.
The challenges women face in accessing healthcare in Asia are deeply ingrained, but they are not insurmountable. Governments, communities, and healthcare providers must work together to dismantle these barriers and ensure that women’s health is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
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