Men and women must equally divide responsibilitie
KARACHI: Amid the pandemic, people have been struggling to adapt to the new work environment as it becomes difficult for them to maintain a balance between work and family life. However, women are the ones who bear the brunt of the disruption that has occurred as a result of the pandemic the most. From doing household chores to looking after children, women remain overburdened with responsibilities, all the while having to manage their professional work side by side.
They are also at a higher risk of unemployment due to the nation-wide closure of nurseries and schools. With primary educational institutions remaining closed for the next few months, women are more likely to sacrifice their careers in order to care for their children. The rise in domestic violence as a result of the crisis is yet another menace that puts women in a physically and mentally vulnerable situation. Women are generally the victims of domestic violence and abuse, which severely impacts their mental well-being. Furthermore, since women have a natural tendency to care more than men, they are ready to offer emotional and moral support to their spouses and families during the time of crisis, while compromising their health and emotional needs.
When it comes to ensuring gender equality, social and cultural norms need to be changed. As a society, we must stop treating our women as labourers. Women must not be expected to compromise their careers and priorities for the sake of their families. Serious measures need to be taken against instances of domestic violence. Men and women must equally divide responsibilities and take decisions considering the overall well-being of their children.
Nayab Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2020.
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