Self-perceived Burden of Child Care on Mother-substitutes of Children of Migrant Women

Abstract

Women who migrate overseas for employment usually entrust the care of their children to substitute care givers. The objective of this study is to describe self-perceived burden of child care on these Primary Carers of children of women migrants, as in the author’s view this is an area which has not received much attention. A qualitative study was conducted in three districts in Sri Lanka. Findings reveal that most primary carers suffer hardship and sacrifice their lives in providing care to the children. They also feel the child care is a burden which adversely affect their own lives. The author recommends that suitable arrangements be made to provide suitable support child care facilities, without burdening carers and those policies should ensure that financial and social benefits of women’s migrations reach the families and country.