‘A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen’

In a world where women have proven themselves to be more than the caretakers and cooks society has labelled them, it is not only narrow-minded and belittling towards women but also morally and ethically incorrect to suggest that their only place in society is in the kitchen.

Some of the women who have transcended such a second-rate ideology include the likes of billionaire Oprah Winfrey, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and even Namdeb Managing Director Inge Zamwaani-Kamwi. These are but a few examples of the many women who have left the kitchen in pursuit of a more meaningful and purposeful life. In fact, all around us we find women who either contribute to, or have completely taken over the task of putting bread on the tables of their homes.

While some men engage themselves in extra-marital affairs, passion crimes, alcohol abuse and negligence of their children’s welfare, many women are hard at work establishing or maintaining balanced lives for them and their families and changing the world. Although this is in fact a petty figure, the belittlement of women in the past and the occurrence of this today has resulted in their belated societal advancement.

Although it may be argued that women have little desire for advancing their aspirations outside of their homes, this is largely attributed to their husbands and fathers who prevent them from furthering their studies or improving their economic positions through gainful employment. So it is in fact the pride, chauvinism and backward thinking of men in society that contributes to the socially inferior positions many women hold today.

The introduction of the National Gender Policy in 1977 as well as the recognition of Affirmative Action by the Constitution has paved the way for women-upliftment in many segments of society. Whether it is achieved through preferential treatment in job applications or grants and loans given to them for the establishment of sustainable businesses, countless governments globally have defied the run-of-the-mill dogma that women are inferior in society. Indeed, our very own world leaders know and understand all too well the massive potential women have in contributing to the economic growth of their respective countries.

We must relinquish the obsolete teaching of tradition and some extremist religion which deem it correct and acceptable to disregard and undervalue women. Disparaging women restricts their opportunities in life. It should not be forgotten that these women are our very own mothers, sisters and aunts – the very fibres that hold our society together. Limiting their capabilities to the kitchen robs not only them, but us too, of their potential to excel in other areas and ultimately causes society to crumble. Their nurturing qualities and historical inferiority does and should not define their capabilities today.

Former President of Namibia, Dr Sam Nujoma once said: “It is the collective responsibility of both women and men to eliminate male chauvinism as well as to promote equality of the sexes in our country.” In my opinion, no other statement so succinctly encapsulates the importance of gender equality in our country. No gender should be denigrated by the other. Apart from our natural reproductive functions, there exists no task that either one of the sexes excel at doing over the other. Men are well capable of taking care of their children and cooking meals for their families inasmuch as women are known to do. By the same logic, women are too capable of putting bread on the table inasmuch as their counterparts are.

Many laws, many attitudes and many practices need to change, so that women can take control of their own lives, care properly for their children and contribute equally to the development of a peaceful, just and sustainable community. Society is left derelict and ill-equipped to run at its best without their magical touch.

Thomas Hamata is currently completing his Grade 12 examinations and is the Head Boy at Etosha Secondary School. He is an avid reader of the Youthpaper and finds it highly educational. He can be reached at hamatathomas@yahoo.com.

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