Who shoulders more of family responsibilities, men or women?
In earlier times men used to remain at home so the burden did not fall entirely on women. Both men and women took on household chores, agriculture, cattle rearing and many other odd jobs in the family. But these days the men from the hills go the plains and cities in search of a livelihood. Hence women have to bear the entire burden. They go out early in the morning in search of firewood as well as look after the children. They have to travel long distances to fetch water. In addition to the household duties they also have to take on social responsibilities. There are many functions and festivals where they play a greater role. Another very interesting factor worth noticing is that when in comes to working in the fields the men only plough it and after that all the agriculture-related activities fall to the women like turning the soil, weeding, watering, reaping, mandai (harvesting) all these are done by women only.
