Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in Mongolia

In “Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in Mongolia,” Otgontugs Banzragch finds that, until 2024, time use (TU) data had minimal influence on care-focused policymaking. However, the formation of a new government coalition that has included care in its policy platform indicates that things may be changing. Banzragch says that implementation of the policy agenda on care will require substantial financing, trade-offs among the sectors, as well as additional research and collaboration among stakeholders and political will among policymakers.

Otgontugs Banzragch is professor of economics at the National University of Mongolia and a researcher with the Care Economies in Context project.

This case study is part of a project by Data2X entitled “Role of Time Use Data in Policy Making: Valuing Women’s Time and Care Work.”

Citation

Banzragch, O. (2025, March). Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in Mongolia. https://data2x.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mongolia-TUCS-WR-250225.pdf

Abstract

To develop these policies, policymakers need data on time use and care. The National Statistics Office of Mongolia (NSO) has conducted five time use surveys (TUSs), beginning with pilot work in 2000. Understanding care provision, its demand and supply within households, and public and private sector provision can inform the design of effective policies that increase women’s economic empowerment. Countries like Mongolia can take steps toward a more equitable and inclusive future by recognizing and valuing unpaid care work and improving the existing paid care work infrastructure. Despite the availability of time use data in Mongolia, unpaid care work remains largely invisible to policymakers.

Over the last 30 years, care-related laws have undergone many changes in Mongolia. For example, after an election, most governments change the cash transfer policies for caregivers. However, policymakers have limited knowledge of how women spend their time. These cash transfer policies are implemented to generate goodwill and are not informed by time use data. More research is necessary to fill knowledge gaps to formulate effective policy for the care
economy in Mongolia.

This report uses existing documents, research and interviews with 15 stakeholders to identify the successes and challenges of using time use data to influence the formulation and implementation of care-related labor, fiscal and social policies and programs in Mongolia.