INVOICE THE PATRIARCHY
The United States is the only advanced economy without any state sponsored parental leave, and currently only 13% of the population has any access to paid leave through their employer. [Source: Pew Research Center}
Imagine a world where the time you spent taking care of your completely helpless infant was valued. What would that look like in America? When I freelance, even if I am doing free work for friends or family, I send an invoice to show the cost of services. With this project, I do that same thing. I am billing the patriarchy for the hours of free women's work I do. It's the patriarchy, that invisible oppressive system, which expects us to stay home to quietly and happily provide child care for free.
That ends now. I have been keeping track of the time I spend doing this free work. Until there is universal child care, I will be sending these bills to the patriarchy, and I will hope for a future where mothers, parents and full-time caregivers are seen, and fairly paid. I hope that other caregivers feel inspired to also start keeping track of the time they spend working, and sending those bills to the patriarchy too. Use #billthepatriarchy for the free work you do. I'll be sending via, fax, mail and twitter.
Below is a copy of the fax I sent to the entire US Senate as well as my California representatives in Congress.
