Health, gender, and the invisibility of unpaid domestic work

ABSTRACT

Unpaid domestic work, historically associated with the female gender, remains invisible in public policies on occupational health and safety. This essay, based on a literature review, discusses the importance of recognizing this work as legitimate, considering its direct implications for women’s work schedules, health, and well-being. The Ergonomic Work Analysis is proposed as an effective methodology to identify and diagnose the conditions of domestic work, as well as to advocate for the technical and social recognition of this labor in public policies. The text also suggests that the 5th National Conference on Workers’ Health should serve as a strategic space to debate and promote solutions aimed at gender equity and social justice.

KEYWORDS
Household work; Ergonomics; Gender and health; Women; working.