Culottes, or pants as they are called in english, have been around for centuries. But who should be wearing them in a relationship? Is it only one partner’s job, or can they both wear them equally? Let’s shake things up and challenge the traditional beliefs in today’s society.
For centuries, the question of who should wear the pants in a relationship has been debated. But in today’s society, we need to ask ourselves why we are still talking about gender roles and expectations in relationships?
In Rwanda, as the country progresses and changes, it’s important for the youth to challenge the traditional beliefs and create a society that is free from gender restrictions. The notion of culottes being limited to a particular gender should be discarded as it is outdated and limits self-expression.
As I was discussing with my colleague at work Amanda Saro, she gave me a thoughtful question saying “ If one person is taking the lead in the relationship, that would mean that he or she is the only one invested in the relationship, so why does only one person have to take the lead?
The argument that only one partner should wear the pants in a relationship is also outdated. Both partners should have equal say and share responsibilities. The idea that one partner is in charge just because of their gender is unfair and unjust.
But let’s take this conversation further. The gender roles and expectations that have been ingrained in our society go beyond just who wears the pants. We need to break down all walls and create a world where everyone is equal and free to express themselves.
However, some may argue that gender roles are necessary for a functional relationship. They may argue that there needs to be a balance of power in a relationship to avoid conflicts and maintain stability.
On the other hand, others argue that gender roles are limiting and create an unequal power dynamic in a relationship. They argue that relationships should be based on mutual respect and shared responsibilities, not just traditional gender roles.
Josh, another of my colleagues, discusses how they should be both in harmony and all take leads in the relationship.
It’s important for the youth of Rwanda to have an open and honest conversation about gender roles in relationships. It’s time to challenge the status quo and create a society where everyone is free to express themselves and contribute equally to a relationship.
The debate about who wears the pants in a relationship is outdated and irrelevant. Both partners should have equal say and share responsibilities. It’s time to challenge the traditional beliefs and create a world where everyone is free to be themselves.
One Response
My opinion is based on Christianity only because I’m a Christian woman, I believe according to the good book that a man should take lead, he should hunt, graft for a woman endlessly even when he finally marries her. However this is not limited to just wooing, it comes down to provision for the family and protection. This doesn’t mean that women shouldn’t take the lead but I would advice against it (topic for another day) The problem only comes in when all this effort becomes patronizing.