Cooking is often celebrated as a therapeutic activity, a creative outlet, and a stress reliever for those who indulge in it occasionally or even regularly. The soothing rhythm of chopping vegetables, the aroma of spices filling the air, and the satisfaction of crafting a delicious meal can indeed provide a sense of comfort and accomplishment. And I don’t doubt this angle!
However, the story takes a different turn when we look at the lives of countless Indian women who are tasked with cooking three meals a day, every day, for their families. In a country where food is an integral part of the culture and home-cooked meals are highly valued, the responsibility of preparing these meals often falls squarely on the shoulders of women, and women only even if they have a 9 to 5 job!
Despite significant progress in women's empowerment and gender equality, many brands continue to perpetuate the stereotype of women in the kitchen in their advertisem*nts and promotional materials.
This paradox raises the question: Is cooking truly a stress reliever for those who have to cook every day?
For women who cook daily, the kitchen is not merely a place of culinary creativity but rather a demanding and relentless chore. The expectation to consistently produce nutritious and appetizing meals for the family can become overwhelming, especially when coupled with other responsibilities such as childcare, household chores, and, often, full-time employment. In such circ*mstances, cooking can transition from a stress-relieving activity to a source of stress itself. This is more so when most Indian kitchens have outdated cookware and appliances, that don’t help speed up these chores!
One key factor that distinguishes the experience of occasional cooks or those with occasional assistance from housemaids or men who cook is the element of choice. People who cook occasionally or those who do it willingly may find solace in the process, as it provides a break from their daily routine and allows them to unwind. The act of cooking can serve as a creative.
outlet, a form of self-expression, and an opportunity to experiment with flavors and cuisines. For them, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary of personal expression and relaxation.
However, for someone who is compelled (P.S. - Sorry to use this word) to cook daily due to societal expectations and cultural norms, the story unfolds differently. The daily grind of meal preparation can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. The pressure to meet family preferences, dietary restrictions, and the relentless cycle of planning, buying vegetables & and other ingredients, and cooking can become a never-ending task. This can exacerbate stress and fatigue rather than alleviate it.
Moreover, the issue extends beyond the act of cooking itself. It encompasses the broader context of gender roles and expectations. Many Indian women, despite their aspirations and capabilities, find themselves trapped in traditional roles, including those of homemakers and primary caregivers. While progress has been made, deeply ingrained societal norms often push them back into the kitchen. Brands that claim to promote women's liberation and empowerment must also reflect on their advertising practices and consider the messages they send to society.
To truly empower women and offer them a respite from the daily grind of cooking, it is essential to address not only the act of cooking itself but also the larger societal structures that perpetuate these expectations. This includes fostering an environment where men and other family members actively participate in meal preparation and household chores. It also involves challenging and changing the narrative in advertising and media that associates women solely with kitchen duties.
In conclusion, whether cooking is a stress reliever or not for someone who has to cook every day depends on various factors, including choice, circ*mstances, and societal expectations. While cooking can indeed be a source of comfort and creativity, it can also turn into a stressful chore when it becomes an obligation. To truly liberate and empower women in India, it is crucial to recognize the challenges they face in the kitchen and beyond and work towards dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting equal participation in all aspects of life.
Do we have a solution?
Men can play a significant role in addressing the situation where women often bear the burden of daily cooking responsibilities and face associated stress. Here are several ways in which we can actively contribute to alleviating this imbalance:
Share Cooking Responsibilities:
One of the most direct ways men can help is by sharing the cooking responsibilities with their partners or family members. Cooking should not be viewed as a gender-specific task, but rather as a shared responsibility. Men can take turns preparing meals, planning menus, and grocery shopping.
Learn to Cook:
If men are not already skilled in cooking, taking the initiative to learn can be a tremendous help. This not only reduces the burden on women but also allows for more diverse and enjoyable meals in the household. Numerous resources are available, including cooking classes, online tutorials, and cookbooks.
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Involve Children:
Encourage children, both boys and girls, to participate in meal preparation. Teaching children to cook not only equips them with valuable life skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and cooperation within the family.
Support and Appreciate:
Show appreciation for the effort that goes into cooking daily meals. A simple "thank you" and recognition of the hard work can go a long way in making the person responsible for cooking feel valued and supported.
Share Household Chores:
Cooking is just one aspect of household chores. Men can contribute by taking on other responsibilities such as cleaning, grocery shopping, and childcare. Sharing the overall workload ensures that women have more time and energy available.
Promote Equality in Decision-Making:
Encourage open and equal discussions about family decisions, including meal planning and division of responsibilities. Recognize that women should have a say in these matters and their preferences should be respected.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes:
Men can actively challenge traditional gender stereotypes not only within their families but also in their social circles. This includes supporting women's aspirations and career goals, as well as questioning and changing societal norms that perpetuate gender-based roles.
Lead by Example:
Ultimately, men can lead by example. Demonstrating that they are willing to break away from traditional gender roles and actively support women in all aspects of life sets a powerful precedent for future generations.
By actively participating in these ways, men can contribute to a more equitable distribution of responsibilities and alleviate the stress associated with daily cooking for women. It's essential to remember that promoting gender equality benefits everyone in the family and society as a whole.
We must summarize with some quick action points –
Please give a helping hand, and share some chores with your mom, wife, sister, or girlfriend.
Wake up early and help! Don’t wake up and start getting ready without worrying about the kitchen!
Next is to equip the kitchen with cookware and appliances that expedite cooking and make it a less stressful daily activity, Install chimneys, small fans, etc.
If you can (ideally you must!) - provide the ladies with some permanent helping hand – like a housemaid to share the work in the noon!
Please add what else can be done (in the comments section) that you think we can do to make cooking a stress-buster activity for women who cook daily.
