Egyptian media personality Sherehan Abu El-Hassan has spoken about the daily struggles of planning and preparing meals for families. In an appearance on the TV program "Six by Six" via the DMC channel, Abu El-Hassan noted that deciding what to eat daily is a significant challenge that requires considerable thought and mental effort. She highlighted that the question of what to eat the next day is even more daunting for mothers.
Abu El-Hassan pointed out that many men get annoyed when repeatedly asked about meal plans, often responding with a vague "anything." This response, she said, only adds to the wife's confusion as she bears the recurring responsibility of deciding on meals. According to Abu El-Hassan, daily meal preparation is a demanding task that should be primarily decided by women based on available ingredients, their health and mood, and the time they have.
The media personality emphasized that the effort required for meal preparation varies significantly. For instance, preparing dishes like stuffed vegetables or lasagna requires more time and effort compared to simpler meals such as pasta with sauce or a potato tray. She warned against overburdening mothers who try to cater to every family member's different tastes by preparing multiple dishes.
Abu El-Hassan advised mothers not to exhaust themselves trying to please everyone's palate. She suggested that mothers should cook what is within their capability and energy limits. If a family member does not like the prepared meal, they can either make themselves a simple meal or buy food using their own money.
Sherehan Abu El-Hassan's comments reflect a common challenge faced by many women in Egypt and elsewhere. The issue of daily meal planning and preparation is often a source of stress and burden for women. Her statements have sparked a conversation about the division of household responsibilities and the importance of understanding and sharing these tasks within the family.
The discussion around household responsibilities, particularly meal preparation, is part of a broader conversation about gender roles and equality within Egyptian society. Many women in Egypt continue to bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities, often with little support from their partners or the wider community.
Abu El-Hassan's advice to women is to prioritize their own capabilities and well-being when it comes to meal preparation. By doing so, she hopes to encourage a more balanced approach to household responsibilities and promote a healthier and more sustainable way of managing daily life.
Key points
- Daily meal preparation is a demanding task that should be primarily decided by women based on available ingredients, their health and mood, and the time they have.
- Overburdening mothers by trying to cater to every family member's different tastes can lead to exhaustion and should be avoided.
- Women should prioritize their own capabilities and well-being when it comes to meal preparation to promote a more balanced approach to household responsibilities.
