Feature:Modernity and a woman’s family role

Well, well, well… thinking about women and wondering what to say in this era of professionalism where most women live their lives behind a computer. Today’s modern woman is extremely elegant, and every time for example; when she drives off in her beautiful Mercedes Benz, people are left wondering if her long and well painted finger nails have ever been in contact with mundane house chores. By this I mean, preparing a meal for her family or even doing her own special lingerie laundry if she is single. Spouses can help each other after their long days at work and this is quite romantic. In most African traditional settings, girls were taught from childhood to prepare meals their families. This probably cuts across most cultures around the globe, women and men have clear cut roles in the family. Where such values are breeched, arguments arise. In my opinion, women need to know how to carry out these roles even when they are pursuing their careers. There should always be some time spared especially when it comes to tasks such as washing inner garments. Take for example, Mama Rose, a wife and mother, in my neighborhood who hardly gets time to even wash her inner garments; she proudly leaves the task to her house help. The most annoying thing is that she is always home owing to the fact that she is a housewife. This makes me wonder why she cannot just wash her private garments or even help her house help instead of sitting all day watching movies, file her nails and go out later in the evening. This is so embarrassing but true, whether one pays their maid a six-digit salary or more, always remember to put yourself in her shoes to understand her feelings. A woman educated or not, needs to understand her role in a family unless the paradigm of circumstances dictates otherwise. Through being, a role model to her children mothers can improve their quality of life and that of their families. Through striking a balance between family and career, women are capable of standing out strong. I truly think that any woman who feels prestigious about not knowing how to do some of the above mentioned things is definitely going the wrong way. As much as such simple responsibilities are may seem unnecessary, they are part of life. jacqueuwera@yahoo.com