A woman’s place is not only in the kitchen

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Have you ever heard someone say that a woman's place is only in the kitchen?

Yes I have

Growing up in many African homes, especially in the 1700s, 1800s, and even the early 1900s, there was this particular belie that women are meant to be in the kitchen

Many people saw women as individuals whose main responsibility was to cook, clean, take care of the children, and look after the home. Meanwhile these responsibilities are important, but they do not define the full ability and potential of a woman.

Back then, many girls were not given the same educational opportunities as boys.

Some never had the chance to complete their education, most were married off at a young age, while others were discouraged from pursuing careers or leadership positions. As a result, many talented women were unable to fully express their gifts and abilities.

Thankfully, the society is evolving

Today, we are seeing women break barriers in different fields.

Women becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, politicians, lecturers, and technology experts, thereby leading organisations, managing businesses, building careers, and creating solutions that improve lives.

Their contributions are helping families, communities, and nations to grow.

This is not to say that cooking or taking care of a home is unimportant but these are valuable responsibilities and life skills that everyone should learn.

The difference is that, they should not be seen as the only purpose of a woman.

Interestingly, many men today are professional chefs and are highly respected for their cooking skills. This shows that the kitchen is not reserved for women alone.

To every young woman reading this, understand that you are capable of achieving great things.

You have the ability to create something and make an impact

You can be a loving wife, a caring mother, a successful professional, a business owner, a leader, or all of these at once. You can build wealth, create opportunities, serve your community, and still choose to build a beautiful home.

Yes, you can

Your potential is not confined to the four walls of a home. It is broad and it is expandable as it can reach across different sections of life and society.

So, to ladies and women here, do not confine yourself, do not allow society to convince you that your only achievement should be keeping a house.

Being a homemaker can be a choice, but it should not become a limitation placed on your potential. If your circumstances allow you and you desire more then pursue more.

Go to school (it isn't late to still go back to school) learn a skill, start that business, go into tech spheres. Build your career

A woman's place is wherever her talent, knowledge, character, and passion can make a positive difference, not just within the four walls of a house, but across the four walls of society.

So ladies, know that your potential is bigger than the kitchen.

Get up, wake up for its usage