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| Edited By: Jayadev Calamur |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Mar 07, 2017, 07:24 PM IST
I am the only male member in a house of five. The other four are my wife, my sister, my mother, and our dog. When I’ve told friends – both male and female – about my family members, the initial reaction is amusement, followed by sympathy at my plight. “Dude, how do you deal with such a situation?” I hear them ask. Truth be told, I just go with the flow.
My day usually begins at 7 am. After a cup of coffee, I start packing the dabbas for myself, my wife and my sister. I put the rest of the food aside for my mother. My sister or mother makes a smoothie, which comprises an assortment of fruits and vegetables, yoghurt, and oats. My wife dusts the surfaces and ensures that everything remains spic and span before we head out to work. When we return, my wife washes the dabbas, I fill the bottles and all of us take turns to wash the cooker – the only thing we wash at night. Also, all of us take turns to cook something.
The point I’m trying to make is work is distributed equally amongst all the family members, except the dog, of course. She’s all of 14 and doesn’t even step out any more. When she has to relieve herself, she stands in front of the door and her job is done.
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When I look at the work distribution, I feel happy that everyone does everything equally. There are times when somebody does more work than the other, and if it persists, we are pretty vocal about it. If I were to think about it, I don’t think there is gender discrimination when it comes to work distribution. Except when it comes to bill payment and dealing with tenants and other society members. At that time, feminism is lost and I am told to deal with everyone because ‘I am the man of the house.’ It’s a running joke, but something I’ve made peace with.
There are those who complain about how they have to make a three-course meal while their significant others are busy watching television, playing on a gaming console or sleeping. When questioned why, they say that the boy’s mother ensured he lived the good life, and now ‘it’s my turn to ensure that.’
My parents and my in-laws made it a point to ensure that the boys and girls were not discriminated and for that, they deserve a huge thumbs-up. The guys who I hang out with fortunately sit in my ship and it’s probably for this reason that I’m still friends with them. They cook, clean, change diapers (as opposed to cleaning dog poop), and are hands-on husbands and fathers.
On Women’s Day, I’ll say this: don’t make it about March 8. Women deserve equality 365 days (plus 1) of the year, and one day doesn’t suffice to make it special.
