Uncle Latif and his wife, aunt Atiya, were coming over to spend a couple of days over at his sister’s house as they were visiting the city for a short time. They were to visit after many years and Erum, mother of Fatima and Maaz, was busy in preparations for their stay.

Fatima was four years younger than Maaz, who was 13. Both of them were playing video games when their mother called them to help around the house. Fatima immediately got up to help. Maaz, however, was reluctant. He said he shouldn’t be doing the chores, as they were ‘a girl’s work’ and refused to help with anything unless it involved something ‘masculine’, like changing the light bulbs or going to the shops to buy things.

After many futile attempts, mother stopped trying to tell him to help out. He sat playing video games while Fatima and his mother did chores around the house.

About an hour later, Maaz was called once again. This time, to cut a few vegetables for the salad as time was running out and the guests were about to arrive.

“Mum, I’ve told you before, cooking is a girl’s work. I won’t do any of it,” Maaz replied with irritation.

Before his mother could respond, Fatima said, “Coo­king is a basic human skill to have. If you ever need to cook in an emergency, what will you do?”

“I know how to cook. It’s just that cooking is something girls should do, not boys. If I don’t need to do kitchen work or household chores, why should I?” came the reply.

“Okay then boil the tea, or cut the salad, not as help, because cooking is a ‘girls work’ as you said, but to prove that you can do it.”

Maaz hesitated. Honestly, he didn’t have any idea how to do anything of these things, so he refused yet again.

“Your refusal simply proves that you don’t know how to cook, which is shameful since it is a life skill. If you ever have to fend for yourself, you will have to cook your own food and clean your own room. How will you do it?” mother told him sternly.

Maaz fell silent. He realised that he was wrong. “Household work and chores are not just girls’ work, but boys should also be doing them. Don’t boys eat? And don’t bring gender in everything, as humans, you both should be knowing how to do all the chores!” mother said firmly.

Embarrassed, Maaz stepped forward and asked his mother to teach him how to help her in the kitchen.

So friends, remember, there is no such thing as ‘woman’s work’ or ‘man’s work’, both genders are capable of doing everything and anything. Knowing how to do household chores is a life skill that is useful for all.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 10th, 2022