Gender disparities in unpaid domestic work impact economies in Costa Rica and Mexico

Recent data from Costa Rica and Mexico highlight the significant economic impact and gender disparity regarding unpaid domestic and care work.

In Costa Rica, the Central Bank estimated that unpaid domestic and care work added ₡9.8 trillion to the economy in 2022, representing 21.4% of the nation's GDP. Women performed 67.17% of these tasks. The monthly economic value of this labor is estimated at ₡259,901 for women, compared to ₡129,309 for men. If these services were included in traditional national accounts, this sector would be the second largest in the country after manufacturing.

In Mexico, reports indicate that gender plays a role in household financial stability. According to INEGI's 2025 Self-Reported Wellbeing Survey, 19.2% of women reported difficulty covering regular household expenses, compared to 15.2% of men. Additionally, 25% of women reported signs of anxiety related to these pressures, compared to 17.4% of men. These disparities are often linked to the 'sticky floor' effect, where the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work limits women's economic mobility and income stability.