Bollywood's "Mrs" Sparks Debate on Women's Unpaid Work in India

Fri Dec 05 2025 13:55:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The new film "Mrs" ignites discussions on domestic labor as Indian government data reveals persistent disparities in unpaid work between genders.

A Bollywood film has brought attention to the ongoing issue of unpaid domestic labor in India. Despite recent government surveys showing small improvements, women still spend significantly more time than men on housework. The film's portrayal highlights societal expectations and the slow pace of change regarding gender roles.

The film "Mrs" has become a focal point of discussion in India, exposing the harsh reality of women's unpaid domestic work, even in educated households. The storyline follows a married woman, who, despite her husband's successful career as a gynecologist, finds her ambitions suppressed by societal expectations and unrelenting domestic responsibilities.

Critics, including men's rights groups, have voiced their discontent with the film, while viewers have resonated with the themes it explores. This should come as no surprise, as government statistics paint a challenging picture: Indian women spend an average of over seven hours daily on unpaid domestic tasks, significantly more than men, who average around just two hours for similar activities.

Despite ongoing campaigns aimed at women's empowerment, the findings of the recent Time Use Survey (TUS) have not changed much since the last report six years ago. While a slight decrease in time spent on domestic chores may suggest progress, it’s clear that women continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden at home.

Analyzing this data alongside the female labor force participation rate (FLFPR), which rose from about 23% to 37% between 2017-2023, indicates that economic challenges are a driving factor. Many women, motivated to help supplement their households, find themselves in a constant struggle to balance paid and unpaid work.

Globally, women take on more domestic responsibilities than men, but in India, the gap is even wider. Factors such as deeply entrenched patriarchal norms contribute to this disparity, with women often expected to prioritize family obligations over their own career aspirations.

While "Mrs" reflects uncomfortable truths about gender roles, it has sparked debate, drawing both criticism and support. Comedian Kajol Srinivasan shared insight from her father's experience when he took on household duties full-time, highlighting the challenges and frustrations of domestic work and how it perpetuates power imbalances.

As conversations continue around these themes, the reality remains: significant change is needed for Indian women to gain equal footing both at home and in the workforce.