Community Childcare Models and Their Impact on Women's Work Participation in Low-Income Urban Settings

Abstract

Women in low-income urban settlements face a dual burden: economic necessity to engage in income-generating work and the persistent responsibility of unpaid childcare. The absence of formal, affordable, and reliable childcare services restricts women’s participation in labor markets, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social marginalization. Community-based childcare initiatives—often organized by local NGOs, cooperatives, or community collectives—offer structured, safe, and culturally appropriate spaces for children, enabling women to pursue economic activities. This study examines the design, implementation, and impact of community childcare programs in three slum settlements of Kolkata, India. Using qualitative methods, including 50 semi-structured interviews with women, 25 interviews with caregivers, and ethnographic observation of childcare centers, the study explores outcomes related to women’s work participation, household income, child development, and community engagement. Findings indicate that access to community childcare significantly improves women’s labor participation, diversifies employment options, stabilizes household income, enhances child safety and early learning outcomes, and strengthens social cohesion within communities. Challenges include funding limitations, caregiver training, infrastructure constraints, and long-term sustainability. The study emphasizes the need for policy integration, public-private partnerships, and gender-sensitive approaches to expand access to quality childcare in low-income urban environments.