The Invisible Burden of Women

“The Invisible Burden of Women is not a sign of strength but a silent cry for change. Empowerment begins when we acknowledge, share, and lighten the load.” #WomenEmpowerment #InvisibleBurden

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A Perspective: The Invisible Burden of Women

In the intricate fabric of Indian society, the struggles of working women—across economic and social spectrums—often appear to be worlds apart. One may assume that the burdens of a domestic worker and a well-educated professional bear no resemblance, like comparing apples and oranges. Yet, beneath the surface, a striking parallel emerges—one of relentless labor, unspoken exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of duty.

Consider the life of a maid. Her day begins before dawn, at 5 a.m., as she prepares breakfast and lunch for her family, washes clothes, and ensures her household runs smoothly. By 8 a.m., she steps out to begin her job, moving from one house to another, scrubbing dishes, sweeping floors, and adhering to each employer’s unique expectations. No two houses operate the same way, yet she must comply.

Her earnings, a meager ₹10,000 per month, are stretched thin. She never had the opportunity to pursue education and is often criticized for her lack of refined cooking skills by her mother-in-law. At home, her husband adds to the weight of expectations, reprimanding her if meals are not prepared on time. Even after a long day’s work, she returns to another set of household responsibilities—cooking, cleaning, and ensuring her home remains functional. There are no weekends, no rest days.

Her children’s live miles away in her hometown because affording their education and sustenance in a city like Mumbai is beyond her means. For this, too, she is judged. Yet, despite the burden of separation, she toils day and night, determined to provide them with a better future.

Now, contrast this with the life of a well-educated working woman. She earns well, commands respect in her profession and is capable of providing for her family. However, her responsibilities extend far beyond her job. The weight of household chores, cooking, and family care still rests heavily on her shoulders.

Even with modern conveniences—a housekeeper to assist, a washing machine to ease laundry, and the privilege to delegate—her mental load remains constant. The household routine never truly leaves her mind. From grocery shopping to meal planning, from excelling at work to maintaining her health, she is the unseen force keeping everything in motion.

Her days follow a rigid structure. The monotony is exhausting, yet there is no room for spontaneity. The idea of skipping a meal preparation feels like a rebellion, yet it never materializes. The routine is an unrelenting loop—demanding and unforgiving.

If asked about her achievements over the past six months, she would have no tangible answer. “Just the usual—managing work and home.”

Both women exist in a cycle of labor that is largely invisible to the world. The maid’s exhaustion is physical, her sacrifices apparent in the calloused hands and aching limbs. The working woman’s burden is mental, her spirit weighed down by the silent expectation to balance it all without faltering.

Both are judged. Both are expected to endure. And in this endurance, both are bound by the same unspoken truth—labor that sustains homes and families is often the most overlooked, the most thankless.

This is the plight of countless women. Their struggles may differ in form, but the essence remains the same: a life of relentless duty, where rest is a luxury and acknowledgment, a rarity.

Read: Patriarchal Bargain: Trade-offs in a Male-Dominated World

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