Abode of values and love

Doing house hold chores are also considered as matter of pride and responsibility by many women and one such example is my Massi (maternal aunt). Even in illness she is not willing to let her husband or son share some load off her shoulder. Even if they are willing to support. This is the biggest mental block and I have seen this in many females around me. For them home chores are there part of life and it’s degrading of them if they let men do any of kitchen, laundry or housekeeping job.

I visited my Massi’s home when she was seriously sick last year. I stayed with her for a week to help her recuperate. The first day I was shocked to see her doing laundry early morning in spite of being so weak and feeble. Women will remain the weaker section until they themselves lift the veil of inequality. I had a real tough time making her understand that doing household chores is not only woman’s responsibility. Though she didn’t fully agreed to accept this change just negotiated that will rest only till sickness last. So is the rigid temperament and perspective of our society.

We have to change this. It will not be easy, it’s going to be a path full of opposition but it is not impossible. Gradually and together we will bring in the change. Start with your own homes. Make your spouse, father and brother understand this thing. Do not sound too revolutionary or a dictator, with love and understanding make them know that laundry or any household service is not the sole responsibility of female member of family. Involve them in daily household work, if week days are not possible make weekends fun doing laundry and cooking together.

Starting teaching kids the values of equality from the beginning. Never make gender specific responsibility. Make them learn laundry, cooking or other essential duties without any prejudice. Teach equality and promote equality at home. Kids should know that no work is small or big. What we teach kids and what they shall observe at home will make their habits. Help them develop a positive mind set. I have seen boys who not even know how to wash clothes using washing machine.  A friend of mine would pile up dirty linen if his mom would go out of station but will not bother to wash them in the washing machine. This is one such pathetic condition.

Remove all mental blocks of gender inequality; make your home an abode of values and love.

“I am joining the Ariel #ShareTheLoad campaign at BlogAdda and blogging about the prejudice related to household chores being passed on to the next generation.”