Teniola Aladese sparks fresh debate on gender roles, stereotypes

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has spoken up about gender stereotypes and roles in the home. The actress, while speaking on the ‘that’s what she said’ vodcast, questioned the societal expectations regarding domestic labour.

Teniola questioned why household chores are seen as a woman’s responsibility rather than a collective one.

She spoke about gender stereotypes and how most people still have outdated expectations from women in relationships.

“Why can’t a man wash plate? Like, why do we keep perpetuating these gender stereotypes?. A woman will cook, wash plate, and the man will just work. But women also work. We go out there, we hustle just like them. Why is it that the moment we come home, it’s the woman that has to do everything? Cook, clean, wash… everything!. Our mothers might have done it, but times have changed. Both genders are working now. So why can’t the man help with the plates?” she asked.

Teniola stressed that men involving themselves with domestic chores does not affect their masculinity or make them less of a man. She urged men to contribute not just financially in the home, but also with chores and domestic labour.

“It’s not about being less of a man. It’s about partnership. Stop with these stereotypes. Women are tired. We work too. Let’s share the load,” she said.