A thoughtful choice
In the age of apparent equality, women are constantly encouraged to ‘have it all’ - marriage, children and a career. Many are performing this balancing act to the best of their ability. But the proportion of stay-at-home mums has been rising among the younger lot steadily, these days. It is not that women are compelled to stay at home. It partly reflects a change in the demographics. Women with young children prefer to be homemakers and rear their children in the best possible way, if their partners are earning well and they are not in a financial crunch. Instead of spending their money on day care, nannies, aides, and feeding their family fast food, some of them want to be at home to nurture their young ones and be with them in their formative years. By being homemakers and full-time mothers, they are giving the best start for their children and helping them by shaping their future.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Dubai
Facebook comment
Cause and effect?
These are two separate issues. There is no cause and effect. Such relationships cannot be established without further studies to test whether mothers staying at home is a marker of regression of gender equality, or if regression of gender equality is causing more mothers to stay at home.
From Mr Anwar Mohammad
UAE
Facebook comment
Money factor
Gender equality is allowing women and men the choice to stay at home or not, and not be judged for whatever choice they make. And many factors come into play when making a decision like this. I would think finances would be a pretty big deciding factor.
From Ms Jenna Margaret
Abu Dhabi
Facebook comment
Be at home
Mothers should stay at home, in order to better nurture their children. Nannies’ affection should not equate with a mother’s love.
From Mr Sarfraz Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
My life, my choice
I choose to be a stay-at-home mum, not because I cannot find a job and make money, or because my husband does not allow me to, and definitely not because I am less capable than someone else, of doing something big. It is primarily because my children need me more than they need material possessions, which money cannot buy!
From Ms Noor Hiassat
UAE
Facebook comment
No comparisons
A woman gives nine months of her life to bring her child into this world. Women who are financially stable and have worked, often choose to stay at home after delivery. But some women who work even after delivery may prefer to do so, as they may have personal reasons. In both scenarios, they love their children, so there should be no comparisons.
From Ms Tia Chinta
Dubai
Facebook comment
Criticism abounds
It would only be an issue of gender equality, if women staying at home were forced to do so. Otherwise, women should be free to make the choices they themselves see fit. It seems, however, that whether they decide to work or remain at home, they are faced with unnecessary criticism.
From Ms Jessica J. Habib
UAE
Facebook comment
Switching roles
More men are choosing to be stay-at-home dads, giving their wives the opportunity to use their skills. Staying at home is actually a sign of prosperity. It shows one’s spouse is good enough to give the other the opportunity to be with the children.
From Mr Chirag Thakur
Rajasthan, India
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