“Me, I wish people would get over themselves a bit more often.” Sarah is a young mother living in rural Belgium who enjoys her life as a homemaker and caretaker.

Sarah
Sarah
Sarah
Sarah

I guess gender and equality between the sexes are hot topics nowadays. Everyone has got something to say about them, so many people want their opinion to be heard. But to me, it is mostly a big-city issue. The tension there is almost tangible.

Me, I wish people would get over themselves a bit more often.

It seems so exhausting to be in a constant state of combat. I would not mind going back to the old days where the man went out working and the woman stayed home to raise her five children. We live in a village ourselves. Around here, the simple farmers’ spirit still exists and life is more gentle.

Today’s society, however, does not allow that lifestyle anymore. People in a relationship are practically being forced to both have jobs and to be financially independent. Which is a pity if you ask me; I would rather have been a housewife. I consider it to be my job as a woman to run things around the house and to take care of the children. I enjoy doing it and I am way better at it than my husband is. What could be wrong with that?

A recent trend among parents requires that boys are given dolls to play with, and girls get little toy cars. I stay away from that kind of stuff. As far as my own daughter goes, I just hope for her to grow into a civilised human being who knows how to keep her head cool. But if she would choose to be a feminist, that would be perfectly fine too. As long as she is happy.

Do not get me wrong. I do hope that the fight against gender-based inequality has not been in vain. All the effort that has been put into it must surely be worth something, mustn't it? But then, on the other hand, I often ask myself, “Oh boy, when is this finally going to end?”

The way I see it is that everyone should choose for themselves, which is not the same as choosing to be selfish. If we all chart our own course and let each other be, then maybe, things will work out in the end.