Men beat patriarchy, say women can take a break!
Men in the family are taking over household chores during the lockdown In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, number of games played and hours spent online has shot up
Scroll through social media and you will find pictures of not only #Workfromhome but also #Patriarchalchallenge, wherein the man of the house has taken over household chores during the lockdown due to coronavirus outbreak.
When writer Koral Dasgupta posted #Patriarchalchallenge along with a picture of her husband, she was excited, but she knew that not everyone would find it inspiring. “There are men who will be uncomfortable if they are seen doing ‘a woman’s job’. When I posted a picture of my husband washing utensils, many commented ‘bechara husband’, ‘What have you made out of him?’, ‘Why would you do something so cruel?’ , ‘joru ka ghulam’, etc. But what’s wrong in it? I’ve been doing the same task and no one finds it odd or funny. Thankfully, my friends took #Patriarchalchallenge ahead and posted pictures showing how couples divided chores during the lockdown,” says Dasgupta.
This is what critic and writer Shomini Sen believes is a “normal marriage”. “My husband is a great cook. I am working from home, and he is cooking and cleaning. It is good that everyone is helping out. This reduces pressure on one single person. Women tend to pick up more of household chores, but a helping hand is a great support, ” says Sen.
Designer Aman Sassan has asked her househelp to take leave for some time. “My husband is sweeping the floors and washing the utensils, taking a lot of workload off my head. I am taking care of the baby and cooking. It is a good start,” Sassan shares.
Fitness expert Jinnie Gogia Chugh believes that it sets a good example for children. “If we can defeat patriarchy right at home, nothing like it. My husband has taken charge of the kitchen for a change, while I’m getting a break,” she says. Husbands are also happy learning the chores. “I did whatever I could. Surprisingly, I have started enjoying cooking and experimenting with salads. I’m glad that I could help my wife,” says businessman Pankaj Chugh.
Setting an example, actor Karanvir Bohra posted a picture on Instagram where he is all set to sweep the floor. Actor Kavita Kaushik also posted a picture of her husband sharing the load in the kitchen.
Prerna Gauba Sibbal