Star Diary

Not Just a Housewife

"I‘m just a housewife.” This is the reply I get from many women when I ask them if they are doing a job. Now that makes me curious; what exactly do they mean by 'just a housewife.' Why do they say it with such disdain? Being a housewife means taking care of a range of work that are vital to keep the house and the people in it up and running. For this reason alone, housewives are required to work long, unpredictable hours. Just imagine the state of the families if every housewife went on strike! Then again, you can't call it a job as there is no provision for salary, vacations or even retirement! Housewives are some of the most hardworking people in our society. Their contribution is just as vital as  that of any doctor, engineer or businessman. They might not heal wounds, build apartments or make profits but they are experts at soothing pain, making homes and saving. However, in most cases this contribution is unappreciated not only by others but the women themselves. Their identities are so intertwined with their homes and families that they don't see the importance of their efforts. They do it all for the happiness and prosperity of their families, and that is, to say the least, noble. I believe that these wonderful women who are so close to our hearts should be appreciated enough, so that instead of saying 'I am just a housewife' they say 'I am a homemaker' with joy and pride.
Sanjana Islam
Via Email         

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Trust No One

People are so scared of unexpected violence in public that they are overly suspicious and cautious of strangers they meet on the street. At a traffic intersection in Shahbag one day, I saw a bus filled with people and the routine scene seemed so interesting that I thought of taking a picture. As I reached into my bag to take out my camera, I could see a look of panic on the conductor's face. He quickly raised his hands and hastily said, “Sir, please don't take out a gun or a petrol bomb to hurt us. We are all innocent.” I was as moved by his plea as I was shocked to realize that he thought I was a miscreant. It's unfortunate that people are not even being able to trust each other because of the wrongdoings of a handful of criminals.
Hisham Khan
Farmgate, Dhaka