We often see that women's primary domain lies within the kitchen—cooking, cleaning, washing, and managing household chores. Women are often expected to excel in these areas; otherwise, their womanhood might be questioned or deemed insufficient. But is this perspective accurate? To determine its validity, we must differentiate between nature and gender roles.
According to the KBBI (Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia or the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language), nature refers to attributes determined by the Creator, which humans cannot alter, oppose, or reject. Nature encompasses inherent human traits that cannot be interchanged between genders. In contrast, gender roles assign specific responsibilities and duties based on societal norms and characteristics attributed to each gender. Gender roles are subject to change and can be shared between men and women.
Tasks like cooking, cleaning, childcare, and household chores fall under gender roles rather than nature. This is because these activities are not exclusive to women; men are equally capable of performing them if they possess the willingness, desire, and mutual agreement. The roles and responsibilities can be shared between genders since both are competent in these domains.
In contemporary society, many men excel at housework, childcare, and cooking, with some even pursuing careers as chefs. Similarly, numerous women thrive in professions beyond homemaking. Women can also perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects and installing gas cylinders. Therefore, it is beneficial for both men and women to share these responsibilities.
So, what defines the true essence of women? Women's genuine nature lies in their ability to menstruate, conceive, give birth, and breastfeed. Men cannot perform these four unique functions, making them exclusive to women. Menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are inherent aspects of a woman's nature.
Unfortunately, misunderstanding these distinctions has perpetuated gender inequality, often burdening women with a dual role. Such misconceptions take root in childhood and persist throughout development, leading to gender disparities in adulthood.
With the abundance of information available today, it is crucial for society to redefine its perspective on gender roles and nature. Educating children early on about these distinctions can foster a more profound understanding, ultimately leading to positive societal changes. We can work toward a fairer and more inclusive future by eliminating misconceptions about nature and promoting equality between men and women.
By: Fitie Pen Pal, Ferameitha Sholicha