“Most women work a shift at the office or factory and a ‘second shift’ at home,” famously notes The Second Shift, a landmark book by sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild with Anne Machung. First published in 1989 and updated in 2012, the book explores the dual burden faced by working women in the United States.

However, a recent study in Nepal reveals that this is not a uniquely American phenomenon. The concept of the "second shift" continues to reflect the reality of working women-particularly married women and mothers-in fields ranging from journalism and politics to academia.

An academic gathering held in Kathmandu on Friday echoed this reality. The event brought together journalists, academics, rights activists, and gender studies scholars to discuss the theme “Challenges of Work-Life Balance for Women in Media and Politics.”

The discussion centered on the difficulties women face in balancing professional careers and personal responsibilities, and the societal expectations that require them to excel in both spheres despite countless obstacles.

Drawing on two academic research studies, participants highlighted that although women have made notable inroads into the public domain-whether in media, politics, or academia-traditional domestic duties still predominantly fall on their shoulders. “This compels women to juggle professional obligations alongside household responsibilities,” the gathering underscored.

“Society expects us to do everything: excel at work, take care of our families, and still keep it all together. It’s duress indeed,” reads one citation from the research. It reflects how women are pressured to perform a “double shift,” becoming so-called superwomen at the cost of time poverty, mental stress, fatigue, and burnout-often neglecting their well-being.

According to a study focused on women journalists in mainstream media, female reporters are not only burdened with domestic duties but also face gender-based discrimination and harassment within newsrooms. These factors further complicate their efforts to balance work and life.

Participants expressed concern that until more than half of the population-women-continues to be undervalued in all spheres of life, the goal of gender equality envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals will remain out of reach.

“Women journalists often feel underprivileged compared to their male colleagues. They perceive newsroom leadership as male-dominated, with their voices frequently unheard or dismissed. Many are deprived of fair and timely pay, which adds to their economic insecurity,” the study reported. It also pointed out that family, media institutions, society, and political leadership collectively exploit women’s labor at home and in the workplace-undermining their role in the public sphere.

In light of these findings, participants called on media institutions to invest more in women journalists, recognize their unique biological and social needs, and implement gender-sensitive policies. More broadly, they demanded that media organizations enforce Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) policies to ensure not only more women in the media but also meaningful participation.

Another research study focused on women’s leadership at the local level, revealed that many female leaders are overburdened with domestic responsibilities, limiting their ability to attend meetings or actively participate in decision-making. Most remain in subordinate roles, largely following the directives of male mayors or ward chairs. Among them, Dalit women members face even more appalling conditions. “The entire system is rigid against them,” the study concluded.

In her keynote presentation, Associate Professor Pushpa Ghimire referenced spillover theory, which holds that negative experiences in one domain-public or private affect the other. She emphasized the need for supportive environments in both spheres to ensure women’s meaningful and empowered presence in public life.

From an economic standpoint, she noted that globalization and privatization have increased the need for multiple earners per household. Yet, women are still expected to shoulder traditional domestic roles, leading to serious role conflict. “Are women supposed to carry all these burdens? Where do their human rights stand in this reality?” she questioned.

Founding figures in gender studies-including Dr. Mira Mishra, Dr. Bindu Pokharel, Dr. Meena Poudel, Santosh Giri Gurung, and Neera Emphasized the importance of research in injecting feminist perspectives into mainstream academic disciplines.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

According to Jamuna Siwakoti Uprety, Head of the Department of Gender Studies, the event in conjunction with the 7th National Women’s Rights Day aimed to build momentum for integrating gender discourse in academic institutions through dialogue and advocacy. The program was supported by Sandhaann, an initiative promoting feminist perspectives.