IT is strange that in 2026, we are still debating gender roles.
Aside from basic biological differences, there is nothing that truly sets men and women apart in terms of ability.
Yet, as a society, we still act surprised when we see a woman working in a mine, flying a plane or leading a civil engineering project.
At the same time, we often look down on men who choose to be nurses, “mannies” or caregivers.
There is nothing inherently “male” or “female” about these jobs, but our society has spent years branding careers with gender labels, creating a divide that shouldn’t exist.
I work in car sales and it frustrates me how often clients on social media address me as “Bro” or “Sir” before even meeting me.
They simply assume a man must be on the other side of the screen because they believe cars are “men’s business”.
My love for football earns me similar reactions. When I wear my Real Madrid or Manchester City jersey, I get comments asking how a woman could possibly understand the game.
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It is a confusing question, football is a sport of strategy and skill, not gender.
If women can play the game at a professional level, why is it so hard to believe we can understand it?
This bias starts in the cradle. From a young age, girls are often given dolls and dressed in pink, while being expected to handle all the housework.
Meanwhile, boys are given toy cars or guns and are often excused from chores.
This upbringing sends a message that a woman’s value is tied to the home.
I once spoke to a woman whose father refused to send her to high school.
He believed it was a “waste of money” because she would eventually marry and leave the family.
In his eyes, her education had no long-term value for him.
We even see this in our local businesses. Many African businessmen still name their companies “Museyamwa and Sons.”
This begs the question: what about the daughters? Even when women work hard and earn their PhDs, their success is often met with suspicion.
Instead of acknowledging their brilliance, people assume they must have a “male benefactor” who paved the way for them.
While times are changing and more opportunities are opening up, our mindsets are lagging.
We are modern people living with ancient ideas.
While men may generally have more physical strength, most modern jobs require “brain power” and emotional intelligence, areas where women excel.
Research shows that companies with gender-diverse leadership are actually more profitable and innovative.
It is time for a change in how we speak to the next generation.
In Zimbabwe, parents should stop telling their daughters, Uchatinyadzisa kwaucharoorwa (You will embarrass us where you get married).
Instead, we should say, Uchatinyadzisa muboardroom (You will embarrass us in the boardroom).
We need to stop raising girls to be just good wives and start raising them to be great leaders.
Women are not limited to housework; they are capable of working and leading —anywhere.
