Husband ordered to pay wife for housework in landmark case in China

A husband has been ordered to pay his wife for housework in a landmark case in China.

The payment comes amid divorce proceedings between the pair, the BBC reported. The man, identified as Chen in court documents, sought a divorce from his wife last year after marrying in 2015.

The woman requested financial compensation for housework done during their marriage. She argued that her husband had not taken any responsibility over housework or childcare throughout their marriage

However, she received just 50,000 yuan (£5,460) in a one-off payment, along with 2,000 yuan (£218) per month in alimony.

The low sum has sparked debate in China over the value of housework.

One Chinese social media user said: "I'm a bit speechless, the work of a full-time housewife is being underestimated."

Another warned women not to give up their careers for marriage.

"Ladies, remember to always be independent. Don't give up work after marriage, give yourself your own way out", they said.

It comes after a new civil code was introduced in China this year. Under the civil code spouses can seek compensation for a divorce if they shouldered more domestic labour.

Chinese women do four hours of housework a day, around 2.5 times more than Chinese men, according to the OECD.