In a constantly developing world, it is disheartening to see the persistence of gender disparity on a global level. In a wide picture, you can see people talking about growth and changes, but if you look closely, you will see a huge gap between the amount of unpaid care performed by women and men. Why is that? Well, people have been fighting for women's right to work and have a professional life, but they overlooked the very familiar disparity in household chores. 

Bail Kolhu's campaign 'RasodeMeinMardHai' talks about this disparity and attempts to bring a change by representing a man in the kitchen handling household chores. Because why not? Why should all the burden of kitchen duties fall only on the women of the family? It shouldn't. 

Let's dive deep into this disparity and explore how this disparity hinders in the process of women's empowerment:

It is a Silent Struggle

This disparity is still prevalent in society because of the deeply ingrained notion that women are nurturers of whole families. This role of being a nurturer falls so heavy on women's shoulders that they spend their entire lives trying to prove themselves as caring and nurturing women. While no one actually focuses on all the tasks women have to perform in the name of nurturing, like cooking, cleaning, feeding, and caring for the children and elders of the house. The worst part is that all these tasks remain unpaid and unappreciated because they are assumed to be natural and instinctual duties of women. 

The Impact on Women's Lives

When you invite someone into your house, who serves them water, food and all the essentials? We all know the answers, but why is it so obvious? People often counter this point with the work-related burden they have that restricts them from helping the women in the family. Now, place yourself in your mother's shoes just for a minute. What would you do if your workplace suddenly decides to stop paying you and still expect the same amount of work? We all know the answers to this question, too, but the sad part is that the women in our houses don't even have the liberty to quit their jobs. This constant unpaid burden leaves them with not only physical but also a lot of mental stress, which is also invisible!

Let's Break the Wheel!

The statistics claim that Indian women spend 7.2 hours daily on household chores while men spend 2.8 hours on the same. It is not about appreciation for women's contribution anymore; it is about justice and change. Everyone plays an equal role in fueling this societal norm; now, if we want to change, we must take a step towards it. Let's start at home by sharing the load. What's wrong if a man cooks in the kitchen? Step inside and give it a try! You never know; it might actually interest you. Become proactive in bringing a change by urging men around you to cook at home. Positivity is contagious!

Women must also move towards this change by taking a stand for themselves instead of succumbing to this disparity. They can break this wheel by teaching their sons to actively participate in household chores and that a 'Mard' can cook in the kitchen!

A Hope for a Better Future

Recognising the disparity is only the first step toward change. It is essential to work towards that change on an individual, societal and governmental level. Together, we can make a world that not just talks about gender equality but works towards turning it into a reality.