On this International Women’s day, the UN had the theme “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” and to do justice to the theme I had the opportunity to be treated to a special screening of the movie Captain Marvel by Ariel India. Captain Marvel is a super hero movie with the lead protagonist being a woman (Brie Larson stars as Carol Danvers) who actually does think equal and is always innovative and smart. It is remarkable that Ariel India sent a powerful message across to everyone with not only their #ShareTheLoadCampaign but also went a step ahead to draw similarities and set an example for how today’s women should find strength within themselves and not be made to second guess about their capabilities by the opposite gender. There is no such thing as a task just to be carried out by woman or man. Both can do wonders if they utilise their own capabilities. No gender is destined to be the lesser sex. The movie bridges the gap that might exist in certain male minds to prove a point that women are everything they want to be, self assured, self contained and able in each arena they choose.
Which is why the #ShareTheLoad campaign by Ariel India becomes even more relevant in today’s times as it highlights the traditional mindset that prevails in India. Laundry as a task is still severely judged to primarily be a part of female’s to do list. When a woman in a household or outside is juggling so many things, succeeding at so many things, and is no less than a man when it comes to sharing the responsibilities within the household or in the work arena. However, if a man tries to help a woman for common household chores, it is still popularly laughed at. It’s almost like an unsaid social taboo that prevails dominantly.
However, I think it is a progressive and positive step in the right direction to break such a stereotype. This was displayed explicitly in the event held by Ariel India at Select City Walk on International Women’s Day where Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey had come to prove a point by sharing their experiences that they both come together and do household chores. There is no distinction at their home in terms of something specifically being a women’s chore only. It’s all about sharing domestic responsibilities and doing things together. Not just burdening one gender- or woman. Even Sargun’s mother in law who was present at the event was of the same view.
In support of this event my husband came back early from work to participate in the event as we both believe that a marriage is all about doing things together and how I can pursue my interests, follow my dreams and passions yet have him take care of everything on those occasions without a second thought about what the society has to say. If one of us is unable to do something the other will share the load. Even if it all boils down to doing the laundry and I am doing whatever I like then on such an occasion my husband will take the lead and do the laundry- especially since it is soooo simple! What’s more it’s a fun activity sorting clothes the colored and whites when we involve our toddler too! It’s all about the powerful message we are sending to our daughter who should not fall victim to the thought that only man is supposed to do certain things, and woman is supposed to do certain other things. It’s all about being equal in a relationship. Even if it all boils down to things like laundry. So whether you are a girl or a boy, man or a woman reading this please know that you are passing on a very valuable lesson to your child at home. Whether you have a boy or girl, pass on the message wisely as it is actually a life skill they acquire when they learn to do laundry. They will always thank you for such practical learning.
All in all it was a great event by Ariel India, and great conceptualisation of everything in their #sharetheload campaign for International Women’s Day! Even things like a photo booth were so well thought out! It was an anti gravity booth having washing machine and laundry basket! Conveying beautifully that “Let’s make ‘men doing laundry’ a reality even on earth! “ . I was really delighted to be a part of such an event. More power to Ariel India.
Check out the video here:
Know more : http://bit.ly/2TJkJrz
The blog of Ruchi 
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