When women undertake formal employment they work significantly longer hours as they fulfill workplace obligations in addition to domestic obligations at home. As a result of high dependence ratios due to high population growth rates, women often suffer from mental and physical stress. Gender relations are undergoing considerable transformation. With the advent of formal education, employment, and the monetary economy, women are assuming greater economic responsibility. In most instances, this is a matter of necessity to supplement household incomes, but does not necessarily result in an increase in status of women.
Male dominance continues to be entrenched.
This situation is more pronounced in urban areas, which are not part of the subsistence economy and where there is less reliance on the extended family. As a result, there is a greater need for governments to recognize the diversity of roles filled by women, and the fact that women make significant unpaid contributions to the economy. Also, high population growth rates in several of the PDMCs remain a major concern. Of course, increasing population growth rates can be best addressed by educating women. This will result in smaller families, and better participation of women in national development.