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| Entertainment |
| Women dying for fun |
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by
Our Reporter, 13 August 2004
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15:35:20
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In the words of the old cliche, women have been assumed to belong to the kitchen. And kitchen in this context is broad-based. It means, apart from preparing meals, the woman has to do the laundry and look after children, among other things.
Thus for most working women, coming home from work is seldom a time for relaxation. Rather, it is time to prepare dinner while men relax in whatever way they can, both within the home and out.
It is less surprising then to see such women flocking to the many bridal showers in town during weekends. Who can blame? It is where they have fun.
Of course, people have argued that bridal showers are becoming expensive nowadays, especially with the gifts that need to be bought for the bride-to-be. And for the grassroots woman, to whom a bridal shower is a far-fetched luxury, the only time for a bit of fun would probably be at a political rally, where she gets to dance for the President.
One Blantyre-based woman, Faustace Chirwa, spokesperson for the Caucus of Women Outside Parliament, said this week it is government’s role to ensure that women have equal access to entertainment as men, by putting in place mechanisms conducive for both men and women.
“Most men are not willing to let their wives go out on their own to have fun. They would rather take them to places where they feel the women will be safe while having their (men) fun,” she said.
She suggested that government should seriously look into the cinema industry as it is one of the best ways for family entertainment.
“Watching movies outside the home is much more fun and entertaining. It is also a place where both men and women enjoy themselves comfortably. Some men even if they want, cannot take their wives to clubs because the women would not be at ease,” she said.
Chirwa commended Le Meridien Mount Soche for introducing Ladies Night because it is a decent way for women to have fun unlike clubbing, describing it as “a very free and transparent gathering for women.”
“I attended the Ladies Night for the first time two weeks ago and I really look forward to more of such. I like dancing and I had fun,” she beamed.
Another woman, Elizabeth Mussa, sales representative for Dulux Limited agreed with Chirwa that women really need to get their share of fun once in a while, but suggested that it better off when they meet at women’s-only gatherings like the Ladies Night.
“The thing is, with men around, women do not enjoy themselves to the full because they always want to pretend to be shy. Women will rarely dance in the presence of their husbands in public events,” said Mussa.
She added that it is through such gatherings that women share and learn a lot of things like table etiquette and dressing.
Another fun-loving Blantyre resident, Rose Kanyandula expressed similar sentiments when she said women need to get together and socialise.
“Society may think that it is wrong for ladies to get together for fun, but I think there is nothing wrong with women just socialising. These rare occasions are a much needed breather for Malawian women,” she said.
Remember, all work and no play makes jack a dull boy!
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