Men participation in household chores

Written by: Naqib Ahmad Azizi

Household chores are the responsibility of all members of the family but in Afghanistan, household chores are mostly divided among the females of the family and men take rarely part in household chores and this issue sometime causes some problems.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people about this issue.

A mother, Hafiza says, “I have three sons and one daughter. My daughter does all the household chores. I am not able to help her more. She washes clothes and dishes; sweeping house and other chores till late night but my sons are always busy in their mobile phones.”

A Facebook user, Karimullah, a resident of Ghazni province has sent a message. He has written, “My uncle’s wife has four sons and no daughter. She has a problem with her legs. The doctor advised her to rest at home but she has to do all household chores because none of her sons takes part in household chores.”

A psychologist, Professor Sharafuddin Azimi talks about this issue: “In the families where there is no intimacy, most members of such families might face some kinds of psychological problems. The children of such families think that boys are better than girls and the brothers do not help their sisters. The women of these families think that the men of the families are their guests. The continuation of this issue might destroy the foundation of the family.”

What do people think about the causes of this issue?

Qasim, a resident of Kabul city says, “Most people think that household chores are the responsibility of the women. Men are ashamed to be involved in household chores. When they have guests, women are busy in household chores but men are enjoying talking with their guests.”

Mariam Hotak says, “Most Afghan women are accustomed to household chores and the household chores are the part of our culture that women should do it alone, and sometimes this issue might cause some problems.”

Professor Azimi says, “Most of the causes of this issue are related to the custom of the community. Men’s opinion about women; women’s manner; imposing restrictions particularly the concepts of honor and some other causes.  Brothers in a family always order their sisters to bring them water, prepare foods, and brush their shoes and so on.”

How do people solve this issue?

A university student, Ghulam Farouq says, “When I go back home from university, I help with my mother and sisters in household chores because they are not responsible to do all household chores. Men also have to take part in household chores. I am very happy when I cook at home.”

Islamic scholar, Amir Muhammad Hamidi says, “Our prophet (PBOH) was participating in household chores. He was milking sheep; washing clothes and even he was preparing dough for bread.

 If it’s needed, the man is obliged to participate in household chores otherwise he might commit a sin.”