Why Are Women Working More In Lockdown?

It seems women are taking on the bulk of household chores and childcare, despite both parents working from home

- Anna Matheson

Since the 1970s, a mother’s role has shifted away from the idea of a being a housewife – and now, three-quarters of mums are in employment. However, when the UK went into lockdown in March, many families were thrown into a new routine in which both parents were suddenly working from home. And it seems as though women have found themselves harboured with more responsibility for childcare, homeschooling and domestic chores. With most parents both forced to stay at home, why are women still burdened with domestic chores? Woman’s Own speaks to a couple to find out how – or if – they’re dividing up the work.

‘There have been times where I felt overwhelmed’

Katherine Rhodes, 36, is the founder of plastic-free toy shop PomPom. She lives in Saffron Walden, Essex, with her husband, Alex, 40, and their children, Beatrix, three, and Clemmie, one.

It’s not a surprise to me that women are picking up the bulk of the extra childcare and chores since we went into lockdown. After all, when it comes to their career and social lives, aren’t women always expected to put their children first?