By Zainab Al-Mashoor

KUWAIT: Women have fought tirelessly to secure their rights and freedoms, and in a world that continues to evolve, societal expectations regarding women’s roles still vary widely. From expecting too much of a working woman to accepting and embracing their independence, the perspectives are diverse. Kuwait Times spoke to both men and women to gather their insights on these changing dynamics.

Amal, a 65-year-old woman, wasn’t allowed to complete her studies due to the mindset prevailing in the old generation and early marriage customs. However, Amal didn’t give up and self-educated, becoming a very knowledgeable person. She emphasized how amazing today is better than yesterday and urged women to take advantage of the opportunities given to them.

Betra, who craved the independence of choosing her own path, remarked: “Society expects us to be the complete package. Women are always expected to be available, whether it’s managing family and household duties or being emotionally, mentally and physically present. Regardless of our accomplishments, being a woman always comes with additional burdens.”

Hassan remarked: “Women are the backbone of society,” adding being able to fulfill numerous responsibilities is an achievement in itself. He believes that women play a crucial role in societal functioning. Conversely, Aziz believes that a woman’s place is within the home, nurturing and raising the family. He contends that despite women’s independence, their primary role remains domestic.

Donia highlighted how modern society perceives women as capable individuals who can achieve their goals, and pointed out advancements in the GCC region, where women are now managers, leaders and run for elections. “Today, society views women as strong, where she devotes herself to every responsibility she gets, whether being successful at work or being a friend, daughter, wife and mother,” she stated. Donia also noted the expanding scope of women’s rights, enabling them to pursue any profession of their desire.

While Salma still suffers from gender discrimination and lack of appreciation, she stressed on the need for women’s advocacy. “They need to understand that women are delicate and emotional but also capable and compassionate.”

Farah emphasized the prevailing misconception that women still rely on men for tasks like changing tyres and fulfilling other needs, asserting that women are fully capable of handling such tasks independently. She stressed the importance of women recognizing their own abilities, noting plenty of educational resources available, including workshops and technology, to facilitate learning and self-sufficiency.

These diverse perspectives reflect the ongoing discourse surrounding women’s roles in society, acknowledging both progress and the need for continued advocacy towards women’s empowerment.