At a time when we hear about women and young girls overburdened by household chores amid the pandemic, here’s a narrative that sets a positive example coming from Aryan, a 16-year-old, who not only takes equal responsibility in doing household chores but also believes that girls are no less than boys.
How have you been spending your time during the pandemic and the lockdown? How have you been feeling?
A. I spent my time with my family.
Q. What changed for you in the pandemic? Did you notice any difference in your household activities and chores amidst the several lockdowns?
A. Yes, I supported my mother in doing the household chores. I learnt how to wash clothes and cook as well.
Q. What do you think about growing up as a boy? Is it different from growing up as a girl? If yes, can you share how is it different? If no, can you share how it is the same?
I understood that boys too can take on the same responsibilities that girls are expected to do. Boys started doing what was thought of as girls’ work during the pandemic.
Q.How do you contribute to house chores? How do your parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and other friends react?
A.When I started contributing to the housework I never felt shame as there is nothing shameful in taking care of your home. My family was very supportive and I am grateful for that.
Q How long have you been part of the sessions conducted by the ECF foundation?
I have been part of ECF since the last year.
Q. What happens in these sessions? Can you describe it to me?
I learnt a lot from these sessions where we talk about Human Rights and Violence.
Q. What were some of the changes that you saw before joining the sessions and after going through the program?
A. ईसीएस मधी सहभागी झाल्यानंतर मला स्वतःमध्ये एक आत्मविश्वास उभारला ज्याने की मी स्वतः स्टॅन्ड घेऊ शकलो
After joining ECF my self-confidence increased and now I know I can take a stand.
Q. How do you support women and girls? How do you become an ally?
A. By ensuring their voices are heard and actively engaging them in discussions and reaching out to them.
Q. A message you would like to share for all young boys your age?
I would like to tell young boys that girls and boys are not different and should not be treated differently.
