Men find their place in the home

Following a gender sensitisation campaign in Kandabwako, Zambia, men are sharing domestic responsibilities with their wives and taking on new roles.

At a community meeting in Zingalume village, women explained that the campaign has resulted in a change of behaviour in their husbands. Gone are the days when women would spend all their time in the kitchen. Men now assist with household chores, allowing their wives a much needed rest.

In the past, it was common to see a pregnant woman with a baby on her back, a bunch of firewood on her head, while her husband followed her carrying an axe, said the women at the meeting. This is no longer the case.

"Today our husbands are very helpful in whatever we do. My husband helps with household chores. Even when his friends arrive, he does not feel shy but continues whatever he is doing until he finishes," said Betty Phiri, a community representative.

Many women said that their husbands now help in carrying firewood, cooking, drawing water and taking the children to the clinic. Men are also becoming more involved in family planning, child care and home management.

Saluveya Banda has found that her husband's support has taken pressure off her and given her more free time. In the past, so much time was spent doing housework that there was little left to take care of and play with the children.

"The situation is different now. When we return from the field, my husband is at hand to draw water as I prepare a fire. As soon as he gets back, he asks if there is anything else to do," said Suluveya.