A study conducted as part of the implementation of the “She Leads Project”, shows that girls spend 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, according to the study spearheaded by Erudite Women’s Empowerment Foundation (EWEF) in partnership with Defence for Children International Ghana.
The study which was conducted in households across five communities in Asante-Akim North Municipality, also showed that certain tasks were predominantly assigned based on gender norms, where girls handled domestic responsibilities, while boys were tasked with activities outside the home.
It also found that girls had less time for studying, extracurricular activities, and rest compared to their male counterparts, thereby affecting their academic performance, self-esteem, and future opportunities.
Many parents and guardians, according to findings of the study, unknowingly perpetuate these disparities by assigning chores based on traditional gender roles where boys were often excused from domestic responsibilities, reinforcing the notion that household work is a female duty.
Highlighting on the implications of unequal distribution of household chores, the findings concluded that 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 labour, even when they work outside the home, the report pointed out.
Following the revelations in the study, the She Leads Social Movement in the Asante Akim North Municipal is advocating educating parents and guardians on the importance of equitable chore distribution. Raising awareness about the long-term impacts of gendered task assignments can encourage fairer practices at home.
It wants chores assignment to be based on fairness rather than gender to help boys and girls develop essential life skills, stressing that parents could rotate tasks so that all children contribute equally to household maintenance. Schools should also integrate gender sensitivity training into their curricula to challenge traditional norms and empower students to advocate for fairness in household responsibilities.
The Girls and Young Women (GYW) of the She Leads Social Movement in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency on the study, said community leaders, religious institutions, and advocacy groups could play a crucial role in challenging societal norms that reinforce gender disparities in household labour.
They said parents should learn to demonstrate equitable labour division at home, saying that, when children observe both parents sharing household duties, they are more likely to adopt similar behaviours.
Source: GNA
