(AN ARTICLE BY THE SHE LEADS SOCIAL MOVEMENT, ASANTE AKIM NORTH MUNICIPAL TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY)

In many Ghanaian societies, the burden of household chores falls disproportionately on girls, reinforcing gender inequalities from an early age. The Erudite Women’s Empowerment Foundation (EWEF), through its time diary data collection as part of the She Leads Project, has provided critical insights into the disparities in how boys and girls contribute to household tasks. This article explores the findings of the study, highlights the implications of these disparities, and advocates for a more balanced approach to chore distribution.

Findings from the Time Diary Data Collection

The She Leads Project conducted an extensive time diary study to track the daily activities of boys and girls in households across five communities in the Asante Akim North Municipal. The findings revealed a stark imbalance in chore distribution:

• The data showed that, on average, girls spent significantly more time on household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, fetching water, and caring for younger siblings. In contrast, boys had more leisure time or engaged in outdoor activities.
• Certain tasks were predominantly assigned based on gender norms. Girls were expected to handle domestic responsibilities, while boys were often tasked with activities outside the home, such as running errands or assisting in family businesses.
• The study found that girls had less time for studying, extracurricular activities, and rest compared to their male counterparts. This imbalance affects their academic performance, self-esteem, and future opportunities.
• Many parents and guardians unknowingly perpetuate these disparities by assigning chores based on traditional gender roles. Boys were often excused from domestic responsibilities, reinforcing the notion that household work is a female duty.

Implications of Unequal Chore Distribution

The unequal distribution of household chores has far-reaching consequences beyond childhood. It shapes children’s perceptions of gender roles and influences their attitudes in adulthood. Some key implications include:

• When girls are expected to handle household responsibilities while boys are free to focus on studies or recreational activities, it ingrains the belief that domestic work is solely a woman’s responsibility.
• With increased household responsibilities, girls have less time to develop skills that could prepare them for professional careers, limiting their leadership aspirations and economic independence.
• Unequal chore distribution in childhood often translates into adulthood, where women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid domestic labor, even when they work outside the home.

Advocating for Change

To achieve gender equality, there is a need for a deliberate shift in how household chores are assigned. The following strategies can help bridge the gap:

1. Parents and guardians should be educated on the importance of equitable chore distribution. Raising awareness about the long-term impacts of gendered task assignments can encourage fairer practices at home.
2. Assigning chores based on fairness rather than gender can help boys and girls develop essential life skills. Parents should rotate tasks so that all children contribute equally to household maintenance.
3. Schools should integrate gender sensitivity training into their curricula to challenge traditional norms and empower students to advocate for fairness in household responsibilities.
4. Community leaders, religious institutions, and advocacy groups can play a crucial role in challenging societal norms that reinforce gender disparities in household labor.
5. Parents should demonstrate equitable labor division at home. When children observe both parents sharing household duties, they are more likely to adopt similar behaviors.

The findings from the time diary data collection exercise emphasize the urgent need to address the unequal distribution of household chores between boys and girls. By promoting fairness in household responsibilities, we take a crucial step toward dismantling gender stereotypes and fostering a more equitable society. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure that children, regardless of gender, grow up with equal opportunities to develop academically, socially, and professionally.

Equal chore distribution is not just a household matter—it is a foundation for gender equality and social progress.

She Leads Social MovementAsante Akim North Municipal.