Spain’s government has announced plans to develop a free app encouraging men to take on more household responsibilities.
The app will track the amount of time each family member spends on domestic chores to address the ‘mental load’ often borne by women regarding household tasks.
Ángela Rodríguez, Spain’s secretary of state for equality, revealed the initiative during a UN committee meeting in Geneva. She explained that the app, which reportedly has a budget of €211,750, will allow users to log their household chores.
The data collected will provide insights into the distribution of housework among family members, potentially leading to a more balanced allocation of tasks.
The app could be used within households to foster fair chore-sharing among family members, including sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, flatmates, or life partners. The objective is to address the inequality that often exists in task division.
To promote fair sharing, the app will highlight the importance of the ‘invisible jobs’ necessary for a well-functioning home.
“Tidying up the kitchen is not solely about the 20 minutes spent cleaning but also requires someone to remember to buy washing-up liquid or plan the shopping list,” Rodríguez told The UN.
Responding to critics of the app, Rodríguez addressed the issue of privileges in a tweet, suggesting that those who oppose the idea may resist taking on their fair share of household responsibilities.
The app is part of the equality ministry’s broader plan to promote shared responsibilities between men and women.
Through various public policies, the ministry aims to enhance gender equality by designing comprehensive care systems that consider gender, intersectionality, and human rights, while involving men, women, the state, the market, families, and the community.
