In Nature’s scheme of things, the male plays the protective and foraging role while the female is responsible for procreation and nurturing. Women since ages have excelled at their role in raising children, taking care of the family and managing the household. The man brought in the money and did not care to think how it changed into food on his table. As social systems were questioned and

education and employment for women were encouraged in the past 50 years, it was as if the floodgates were opened. Women stepped out on a career which brought financial security. But, this freedom has not been without its costs. At least in the previous generation there was a large extended family to take care of the children and the woman’s burden was reduced slightly. But, in today’s nuclear families, with both parents away at work, children are left to the care of ayahs and maids. Older children are part of the keyhole gang. They open the doors to see an empty house. Children’s nutrition also suffers as the mother is hard pressed for time and has to rely on convenience foods which could be harmful.

What then is the solution? Should women chuck their jobs and stay at home? Well, in most cases, women do give up promising careers for the sake of their children. But, for a vast majority, where the double income is necessary to maintain a decent standard of living, it becomes a tightrope walk tinged with guilt. We suggest that women should stop feeling guilty about having a career. A woman is a unique entity with her own personality. She has every right to develop her potential. Also, it has been proved that women who have careers are able to cope better with the vicissitudes of old age.

The most important element is the participation of the husband. Men should shed their egos and understand the plight of women in balancing a career and home. They need not actually cook the meal or do the dishes. But they can definitely help in other small ways- like making the children eat or packing their bags or getting them ready for school. Every such small gesture will ease the stress on the woman. They should realize that the physical and mental well being of the woman is necessary for the health of the whole family. When this understanding takes root, women should have no problem in riding the two horses.

What about the chronic defaulters amongst the men – the types who would rather bury themselves in newspaper or mobile phone? The woman has to be assertive about her rights and nudge the guy to do his due. After all, unless you knock, the doors won’t open.

Divide the responsibilities and multiply your joys. Keep your head high and zoom up in your career. Wish you all the best.