Asma Abbas wants her daughter-in-laws to work, not sit at home and waste their degrees

The veteran actor offered a refreshing take on women’s roles.

Asma Abbas recently appeared on Good Morning Pakistan, where she and her youngest daughter-in-law, Sameen Ahmed, were featured in the special Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law segment. Sameen and Asma’s youngest son, Ahmed got married in January of this year.

On the show, they shared a candid and heartwarming conversation about family dynamics, the role of women in her household, and the importance of maintaining a balance between career and family life.

Asma’s message for her daughters-in-law, particularly Sameen, was both relevant and empowering. She shared her thoughts on the role of women in her family, emphasising that she values their education and believes they should use it to its fullest potential. I encourage my daughters-in-law to work because they’ve earned their degrees, and those shouldn’t go to waste?” she stated.

In a society where many women are often expected to pause their careers after marriage, Asma’s supportive stance on women pursuing professional goals was refreshing and much needed.

During the discussion, Asma was asked about her two other daughters-in-law, to which she revealed, “Yes, they work as well.” She stressed the importance of maintaining a home while also acknowledging that there’s no need for women to be confined to house duties. “What will they do sitting at home? We have house help.”

Sameen, who praised her in-laws for being kind and supportive, fondly recalled her first day in the family, when she had stayed up late, only to wake up to a welcoming and humorous response instead of a scolding. “I was expecting to be scolded for waking up late, but instead, they were really warm,” Sameen shared.

In a lighthearted moment, Asma added that she enjoys when women dress up in the morning for their work. “I like it when women dress up in the morning and go out for their work,” she said with a smile. When asked about Sameen’s habit of sleeping in, Asma responded with a playful tone, “I don’t mind her waking up late. It reminds me of Zara, she also loves her sleep,” she laughed.

Internet Reacts

Asma’s candid statements on Good Morning Pakistan received widespread praise from viewers, who admired her modern and supportive perspective on women’s empowerment. Many applauded her belief in the importance of women pursuing careers and their education. However, there were some viewers who felt that Asma should not be concerned with whether her daughter-in-law chooses to work, as this should be a personal decision.

One user commended her by saying, “This type of mindset is rare in Pakistani society!” and another one added, “Society needs mother-in-laws like you, you’re a gem.”

On the flip side, some were of the opinion that Asma Abbas’s remarks were not as progressive as she thought. “Oh God, Pakistani women are never going to change. If a woman wants to sit at home, even that is a problem now. Why does a mother-in-law get to say anything at all about whether one works or roams in a night dress? She’s missed the whole point while trying to act like she’s nailed it.”