Raymond Ayinne, the Communications and Advocacy Manager for AFRIKIDS Ghana, has emphasized that the responsibilities associated with gender are not inherently natural but are shaped by the socialization processes of society.
“Let’s establish the point that what men do and what women do is actually a product of society. It’s a socialization process.”
He spoke to Humul Khrusum Tahiru on the Equal Voices Programme on the occassion of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Mr. Ayinne highlighted the necessity of challenging traditional gender roles that dictate what men and women should do advocating for a more fluid understanding of the roles.
He suggested that society should work towards creating a softer delineation between them.
According to him, this rethinking is crucial not only for promoting equality but also for fostering a healthier environment for both boys and girls. He discussed the need for men to actively participate in nurturing their sons to embrace this shift. “For us men, we should consciously groom our boys to cross that line.”
He pointed out that many men face immense pressures as the primary breadwinners, often leading to premature death and emotional stress. By sharing household responsibilities with their partners, Mr. Ayinne believes men can alleviate some of this burden, promoting a more balanced lifestyle that ultimately benefits their health and familial relationships.
“If we share duties with our wives, whether it is in housekeeping or domestic chores, it will create equilibrium, and we can have the peace to live longer.”
He emphasized the importance of allowing boys to engage in household chores, regardless of the mess they might create. This hands-on experience, he said, is invaluable, teaching them responsibility and the importance of contributing to a shared home environment.
“No matter how messy they are, it’s important that they create a mess but learn from it.” He added that the focus should be on education rather than avoidance, ensuring that young men grow up equipped with essential life skills.
Moreover, Mr. Ayinne urged parents, especially mothers, to foster an environment where both male and female children are encouraged to break free from restrictive norms. By allowing children to explore roles and tasks without the constraints of traditional gender expectations, parents can pave the way for a future generation that understands that domestic and social responsibilities are not dictated by gender. “Women should allow our male and female children to grow up accepting and understanding that these things have nothing to do with your sex. That way, when they grow up, it will be seamless.”
He also encouraged women to allow men to assist them in carrying out domestic duties.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
