A new survey, released today, February 25, found that women spend an average of five hours and two minutes on unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) every day, in contrast to just two hours and six minutes for men. The findings indicate that gender disparity starts at home.

More than 1,100 Cambodians took part in the survey, which was conducted in late 2024.

The survey and analysis were conducted by Analytics and Insights Asia (AI-Asia) from August to November, in close consultation with Oxfam and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

The participants included women, men, girls and boys from 447 households in Prey Veng, Siem Reap, Mondulkiri and Kampot provinces.

The survey asked respondents how they used their daily time, the various impacts of unpaid care and domestic work, their feelings and perceptions about UCDW, their access to essential infrastructures and services and their support needs.

Based on the survey’s findings, Sophoan Phean, national director of Oxfam, highlighted that the heavy responsibilities to care for their families and homes are unfairly imposed on women and girls by gendered societal expectations.

“A healthy, loving, and harmonious home is essential for family and society and it is everyone’s responsibility, not just women and girls,” she said.

The survey noted that while Article 36 of the Constitution ensures that domestic work is as valued as work outside the home, women and girls spend an excessive amount of time taking care of their homes and families at the cost of their own personal care, education, development and even professional careers.

Speakers at the survey launch event urged that more attention be paid to women and girls and unpaid care and domestic work, suggesting that policies be introduced to narrow gender gaps.