"A large part of the male-dominated patriarchal society undervalues the contribution of women's labour in the household, even though immense and very laborious work are done by women in both rural and urban areas in various sectors as well as the household, which helps in enhancing productivity of the men in the household too," she said.
She stated that there was need to recognise this "invisible" work, adding respect of women in Indian society is linked to her economic status.
"In many countries other than India too, by making women primarily responsible for unpaid or low paid work and childcare, and by making men primarily responsible for wage labour, the gender division of labour tends to benefit men and keeps women, by and large unequal to men in the labour market as well in the society," Tirath said.
"This perpetuates the gender based inequalities which result in other forms of discrimination and unequal societal norms."
The minister, who has in the past advocated allocating a portion of men's salaries to their wives for the housework they do, was speaking at a consultation meeting on Valuation of Household Work Undertaken by Women in India here.
She said the valuation of such unpaid and unrecognised labour which eventually contributes to economy and human capital is very essential. It also established women's claim on national resources to improve their conditions and their productivity, she said.
She mentioned that she has written to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) to look into the matter of evaluation of the unpaid labour of women in India, and to mainstream time use surveys in the National Statistical System. (More)