United Nations Radio

Perspective is a monthly 14-minute programme that presents "an in-depth look at some of the views behind the headlines."

Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lankan Cricketer

Women have traditionally raised children, cared for the sick and the elderly. But as women have taken on more responsibilities outside the home, the sharing of household responsibilities has lagged behind. The result is that while women make up over 46% of the labour force worldwide, they still perform the majority of unpaid work in the home.

Several discussions on the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS were held during the recent session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

According to a UN report up to 90 percent of the care related to AIDS is provided by women and girls. While the report calls for increased investment in public health and social services, it notes that the increased participation of men at the household level can also help alleviate the burden on women.

Written, produced and narrated by: Bissera Kostova
Interviews by Kate Adair and Matthew Graham

Duration: 14'00"