and Nnenna Mba-Oduwusi.
Published 22 May, 2025.
Introduction
The contributions of women to both the formal and informal sectors are gaining increased recognition. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women’s global labour force participation rate has remained consistently above 50%. This is significant, considering that for much of history, professional careers such as civil service, law, and medicine were largely inaccessible to women. Even within the informal sector, their labour has often been undervalued and unrecognised. The growing visibility of women’s work underscores their critical role in both national economies and family welfare.
However, this growing participation comes with challenges. Despite their formal or informal employment status, societal expectations still place the burden of caregiving and household responsibilities (i.e. cooking, cleaning, and childcare) primarily on women.
This dual demand has led to increasing conversations around work–family conflict – a situation where the demands of work interfere with family responsibilities, or vice versa. For women in formal employment, this may mean juggling long hours, tight schedules, and complex tasks alongside the equally demanding responsibilities at home. The emotional and psychological toll can be significant.
Unfortunately, the health effects of work–family conflict are still not adequately discussed. Moreover, the nature and intensity of this conflict often differ between women in the formal and informal sectors. Each sector is shaped by unique structures, expectations, and social norms. While formal employment may offer structured policies, informal work often allows more flexibility, but with its own set of challenges.
Our Study
In our recent study, we explored how work–family conflict affects women differently in formal and informal employment settings. The research was conducted in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Women in the formal sector were recruited from among academic staff at the University of Nigeria, while those in the informal sector were selected from traders at a nearby popular market, located approximately 3.5 kilometres from the university. Twenty in-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted with women from both sectors.
Key Findings
Our study revealed that women in both sectors face unique but equally taxing challenges in balancing work and family life.
Formal Sector Workers
Women in academia frequently reported feeling emotionally and physically drained. The demanding nature of their work, which includes research, teaching, and administrative tasks, often delays career progression. Many shared how household responsibilities leave little time to complete research papers or pursue publishing opportunities.
Even when they hire domestic help, tensions may arise at home. Some reported that their spouses were dissatisfied with their reduced presence or prolonged work hours. These unresolved expectations can strain marital relationships, despite efforts to delegate domestic tasks.
Informal Sector Workers
For women in the informal sector, the conflict manifests differently. Their work typically involves prolonged standing, physical exertion, and irregular hours. After a full day of trading, many still shoulder the responsibility of school runs, meal preparation, and household chores.
The lack of rest and routine leads to burnout. Some report losing customers due to their inability to keep up with business demands. This creates financial instability and frustration. In more severe cases, domestic tensions escalate. Several women shared experiences of going to bed hungry or facing aggression from partners due to unmet household expectations.
The Way Forward
Addressing work–family conflict among women in formal and informal sectors requires a multifaceted approach:
- Policy Support: For formal workers, institutions should offer family-friendly policies, such as flexible hours, parental leave, and on-site childcare.
- Community-Based Support: Informal sector workers could benefit from cooperative childcare systems and local support networks that ease the burden of solo caregiving.
- Men’s Involvement: Changing the narrative around caregiving to include men is vital. Encouraging more equitable distribution of household duties can reduce strain on women and improve household wellbeing.
- Mental Health Services: Accessible counselling and stress management resources are essential to support women’s emotional health, particularly those experiencing burnout or domestic tension.
Conclusion
Work–family conflict is a shared reality for women in both formal and informal sectors, and it is shaped by different circumstances. Recognising these challenges is the first step toward designing interventions that support women’s health, well-being, and economic empowerment. Making sure that women do not have to choose between career and caregiving should be a collective priority.