​The inequalities that mothers face in both the labour market and the household are real, but often overlooked. In an effort to turn this around, Olivia Ezeobi, PhD candidate and lecturer in the Department of Economics, has embarked on a research study that aims to contribute to a more gender-equal society.

As part of commemorating South Africa's Women's Month, she tells us more about her work.​

Tell us more about your research?

My research interest is feminist economics (FE), with a specific focus on mothers and the inequalities they face in the labour market and in the household (unequal division of labour, unpaid care work, etc). More specifically, in my PhD entitled “Intersectionality of inequalities for working mothers in South Africa", I am looking at motherhood penalties (the pay gaps that mothers face in addition to the gender pay gaps that all women face) and the psychological well-being of working mothers in the country. And in terms of the intersectionality of inequalities, I am exploring the inequalities for working mothers based on the intersectionality of their race, class, gender and citizenship/nationality.

Why or how did you become interested in this specific research area?

I have always been interested in gender equality, but when I became a mother in 2018, I became hyperaware of the “time poverty" that many working mothers face. Through speaking to other mothers, I also became more aware of the discrimination we encounter in the workplace, as well as the stress of the “second shift" (the unpaid work that working mothers do when they get home from their paid job).

Why do you think this is such an important research area for women/ young girls in South Africa (or globally)?

We often talk about decolonisation of the curriculum. FE can help with this, as it challenges the Western patriarchal foundations of mainstream economics. FE argues for a more inclusive economics, both in terms of scientific pluralism, and in terms of research on topics neglected in mainstream economics. For example, unpaid work is an important topic in FE. All work matters, and the unpaid care and domestic work done mostly by women is often unaccounted for in mainstream economics.

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?

The pandemic has brought the existing inequalities in South Africa into even sharper focus. The world, including South Africa, has become even more unequal. The pandemic has made me realise I want to become an academic activist: Through my work, I would really like to contribute to the fight for gender equality. Specifically, I would like to be part of giving a voice to marginalised women whose voices are not often heard.

What would your message be to the next generation of women researchers?

Due to funding constraints, one often finds oneself doing research that you are not particularly passionate about. If you have the option, please do not settle for research that does not excite you. Just because something is a “hot topic" does not mean it's what you're meant to research. Also, talk to senior, established academics who have similar interests to yours – there is much you can learn from them. I approached Prof Amanda Gouws in January 2020 to ask if we can meet over coffee to discuss her experience as an academic-mother. And in June this year, we published our co-edited book Covid diaries: Women's experience of the pandemic. Collaborating with, and being mentored by, Prof Gouws has opened doors for me.

I am starting my PhD at the relatively old age (in academia) of 45. My delays were because of years of battling major depression. Others may join academia at an older age because of financial constraints. Some mothers may have delayed their PhD because of years spent looking after young children. I would like to say to anyone who is a “mature student" that it is never too late to do work that you are passionate about.