Shared Responsibility: The Real Key to Strong Families and Communities

I always try as much as I can to avoid controversial topics such as religion, politics, and gender roles. This is because different people have different opinions on these topics. I have witnessed how the issue of gender roles can lead to heated arguments, not only among teenagers, but also among adults who are expected to at least know better. Recently, there was an argument between a senior female lecturer and a senior male lecturer about the issue of gender roles. Both of them are Doctors in their field, meaning they have the words, expertise and experience to drive their points forward. Luckily enough, I was present when this argument started. What I noticed was that both parties were only trying to prove their points, rather than understanding each other’s perspective. Both parties were trying to prove which person is right and which is wrong and that is what leads to the issue of gender roles. If only people could sit and think deeply, there would not be arguments and unnecessary debates.

The issue of gender equality and equity did not start today. In fact, it started centuries ago. Did you know that Elizabethan writers during the 16th century also battled this issue. Gender equality and equity will always be an issue. It is only up to us to know the truth. Better put, the right way. First off, it is important to know that gender equality and gender equity are two different things. Gender is more easy to understand. As the term implies that all genders should be treated equally regardless of the backgrounds, age, status, and many other factors. For example, gender equality means that if a man can be the president of a country, a woman should also have the same right. If a man can be the president of an institution, a woman should also have the same right. However, for some, the definition of gender equality is just like mere words on paper. They claim that not so many countries in the world have women as their head. Others also claim that the concept of gender equality is absurd because one gender may have different capabilities or roles than others.

On the other hand, gender equality is all about fairness. During the days of our forefathers, women were not allowed to go to school. Those who went to school stopped at primary education and were married off. Today, although this ideology is still in place, many countries have embraced women going to school. This is a very good example of gender equity.

We could go on and on talking about the impact or role of gender equity when it comes to financial responsibilities in the family. For example, some people are of the opinion that it falls on the man alone to provide and take care of the family while the woman “eats” the money. I came across a video on the internet where a guy asked his girlfriend what she brings to the table and her response was “I want to eat your money.” There are also instances where the man finds himself in a situation where his wife is richer than him and then he lays low and expects the wife to do everything while he just enjoys the money.

I really would not want to go deep into this topic or try to force my opinions on anyone, but one thing I believe in is shared responsibility. It falls on the man and the woman to take care of the financial aspect of the family, regardless of the income or any other factor. Instead of arguing at great lengths about gender equality or gender equity, couples should understand each other and embrace shared responsibilities.

Images in this post are mine.

Thanks for reading.