Femi One highlights the hidden struggle of unpaid care work after visiting Mathare
By Paulette Mboga, July 3, 2026Rapper Femi One has highlighted the hidden struggle of unpaid care work after spending time in Mathare.
She said the experience made her reflect on the important role community daycare centres play in helping many women earn a living while caring for their children.
“I spent time in Mathare and left thinking about something we rarely talk about: unpaid care work,” Femi One said on Friday, July 3, 2026.
She explained that unpaid care work is a reality that many people do not think about in their daily lives. Femi One urged people to consider the challenges faced by women who leave their children behind as they go out to work.
“Guys, unpaid care is a reality. Have you ever stopped to think about where your mama fua leaves her child when she comes to work for you?” Femi One said.
She said she met women who begin their day before sunrise in search of work while also carrying the responsibility of providing for their families. According to her, community daycare centres make it possible for many of them to continue working.
Community daycare centres
“I met women who wake up before dawn to look for work, provide for their families, and keep life moving. What makes that possible are community daycare centres that care for their children while they are away,” Femi One explained.
She said these daycare centres may not receive much attention, but they perform an important role in society. Femi One noted that many women would struggle to earn an income without the support these centres provide.
“These spaces may be small and often overlooked, but they are doing some of the most important work in our society. Without them, many women simply would not be able to earn an income. Without care, work becomes impossible,” Femi One said.
Femi One also described care as something that goes beyond looking after children. She said it creates opportunities and supports women as they work to provide for their families.
“Care is infrastructure. Care is economic empowerment. Care is opportunity,” Femi One said.
She called for greater recognition of the people and systems that make unpaid care work possible. According to Femi One, building a better future for women and families also means investing in the support systems that allow them to work.