In some societies women are treated as second class citizens. But then, other than that of being home-makers, women’s other roles need to be appreciated.
In different stages of formal education during social subjects we learn that a community, family, and individuals have their own roles. It’s with this knowledge in mind that we expect women to be given special recognition.
Rev. Francis Chima of Assembles of God in Dowa says women are home makers and that they take a big part in making visitors feel welcome in the home.
“A home without a woman doesn’t look good enough to host and entertain visitors. That’s why we traditionally say that kuli anthu (there are people) in the home when a wife is there.” said Rev. Chima.
The reverend further said also said we need to recognise the role women play in instilling acceptable behaviours in a child since they are the ones that normally spend more time with the child at home.
Lilongwe-based Chezani Malandi, a family advisor on church matters in one of the Pentecostal churches, say women are life-givers and the world cannot do without them.
Malandi says: “Most of them go through a lot to give life. They are a great motivation to others if they live a successful life. Specifically, girls are motivated when they see a woman prosper.”
However, Helemess Ndingo, a student at Emmanuel Teacher Training College in Lilongwe bemoans the tendency of most women being little appreciated by men.
“We are very hard working when we are given chance. Only that some men don’t look at us as people who can be trusted with big responsibilities.
“For example, most women are good and reliable teachers compared to most men. Women will normally develop their family first with the little they have,” said Ndingo.
Not everyone shares Ndingo’s sentiments.
“I would rather see women do something tangible to show that they are utilising the enabling environment set across them, rather than waiting for men to take the initiatives.
“We know women are capable of doing great things. Unfortunately, most women are not doing much to contribute to the development of this nation,” says HIV and Aids coordinator at Mtengowanthenga Hospital, Chipiliro Mataka.
The then Ghana’s Minister of Works, Housing Water and Resources–Boniface Abubakar Saddique–contradicts Mataka during a seminar that campaigned for women’s recognition. Abubakar Saddique said African women’s role should always be appreciated.
“Education, socialisation and care are some very important roles women play in the society and hence cannot be taken too lightly. Women need to be appreciated in all facets of life “, he said.
