Ìyá Òde Ajé

 




The first place I came to the consciousness of gender roles was not in the home front. It was in school. Imagine my shock when Akinwande tried to "relegate" and bully girls in P1 Bolarinwa. I was shocked. I got home that day, fortunately, Ìyá Òde Ajé came visiting and asked why "Okoro was frowning again". I told her there was a new boy in my class who not only made girls serve lunch, but also made sure we had smaller portions and made sure we used "jákajàka" plate. Ìyá then told me pé "Àparò kan ò ga jù'kan lọ".

Now that I think of it, I know where my love for proverbs stemmed from (I can barely say five sentences without chipping in one or two òwe). She tried to explain to me how she trained all her kids the same way. That she feels ANY individual should be able to live independently and not be a burden to any other person in whichever department. I guess that's why my Dad, Uncles and Aunties can do all the "male and female chores" alike.
I got back to school feeling sort of empowered and I'm sure Akinwande wondered how and why I gave him a tough time back in the day. Akin if you can see this, na my grandma gimme liver. 
I do not have a biological brother, so prior to that experience, I had no idea gender roles existed. In our home, my sister and I did EVERYTHING. Up until this day, when I see women who cannot fuel a generator or change car tyres, I feel a certain way. Likewise when I see men who cannot cook or do the laundry. 
I don't know why this crossed my mind this morning, but I know for sure that when it comes to training children, my paternal grandmother gave me a template without knowing it. 
I also feel like she contributed to me being the egalitarian that I am today. Now you know why I detest gender roles.

Good day. Shey rain e no reach your side?

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