by Pakistani actor and social commentator Gohar Rasheed has once again sparked an important national conversation — this time about the way society prepares young men for marriage. In a recent interview, Rasheed emphasized that parents should not only raise daughters to be good wives and homemakers but also teach sons about their duties, respect, and responsibilities as future husbands. His thought-provoking statement comes amid growing discussions about gender equality, toxic masculinity, and the evolving dynamics of relationships in Pakistan’s cultural context.
A Bold Take on a Sensitive Subject
In a society where much of the focus traditionally revolves around preparing girls for marriage, Rasheed’s comments challenge longstanding cultural norms. He argued that boys, too, must be trained and emotionally equipped for married life — an institution that demands empathy, compromise, and shared responsibility.
According to Rasheed, most families invest time in teaching daughters how to cook, clean, and adjust to their in-laws’ home. Yet, little attention is paid to teaching sons how to support their wives emotionally or share the burdens of domestic life. This lack of balance, he suggested, often leads to conflicts, misunderstandings, and even failed marriages.
His statement struck a chord with many who believe that for marriages to succeed, both partners must come into the relationship as equals — capable of understanding, communicating, and respecting each other’s roles.
Changing the Traditional Narrative
Historically, South Asian culture has placed disproportionate expectations on women within a marriage. From managing households to raising children and caring for in-laws, women have been expected to uphold traditions and maintain family harmony. Men, on the other hand, have largely been assigned the role of breadwinners, with little expectation to contribute to emotional or domestic labor.
However, as society evolves, these rigid boundaries are being questioned. Women today are not only managing homes but also pursuing careers, education, and personal ambitions. Rasheed’s call for parents to educate their sons about marriage responsibilities fits perfectly into this changing narrative.
By teaching boys that marriage is a partnership — not a power structure — parents can help create healthier and more sustainable relationships. This shift in mindset is essential if Pakistan is to move toward a more balanced, respectful, and modern understanding of family life.
The Role of Parenting in Building Respectful Men
Gohar Rasheed’s message highlights that real change begins at home. Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s perceptions of gender roles and relationships. When young boys grow up watching their fathers share responsibilities — from household chores to emotional support — they internalize those values.
Unfortunately, many boys in traditional households are raised with the idea that domestic responsibilities are beneath them. They are often excused from basic chores, while their sisters are expected to handle everything. Over time, this creates a dangerous sense of entitlement that can carry into their marriages.
Rasheed’s argument is not just about teaching men how to “help” their wives; it’s about instilling the principle of partnership. This means boys should be raised to understand that marriage is a mutual journey where both individuals contribute — emotionally, financially, and practically.
The Emotional Side of Marriage
Another crucial point Rasheed’s statement indirectly touches on is the emotional intelligence required in marriage. Many men are taught from an early age to suppress their emotions, avoid vulnerability, and equate strength with silence. As a result, when they enter marriages, they often struggle to communicate effectively or handle emotional challenges.
By preparing boys for marriage, parents must also teach them emotional literacy — how to express love, handle disagreements respectfully, and provide emotional security to their partners. Marriage is not just about financial stability or family honor; it’s about emotional connection, empathy, and shared growth.
Rasheed’s advocacy can be seen as part of a broader movement calling for men to take emotional responsibility in relationships. When men are emotionally aware and supportive, marriages tend to be healthier and more fulfilling for both partners.
Gohar Rasheed Urges Parents to Educate Sons About Marriage Responsibilities
Social Media Reactions and Public Discourse
Following Rasheed’s remarks, social media platforms buzzed with mixed reactions. Many praised him for addressing an often-ignored topic, calling his comments “refreshing” and “progressive.” Users appreciated that a male celebrity used his platform to advocate for responsible manhood and gender balance in relationships.
However, some critics argued that the statement oversimplifies a deeply rooted cultural issue, suggesting that systemic social change requires more than parental advice. They emphasized that educational institutions, religious leaders, and media also play significant roles in reshaping public attitudes about gender and marriage.
Still, Rasheed’s statement succeeded in doing something vital — it started a conversation. In a society where discussing men’s behavior and accountability in marriage is often seen as taboo, his words opened a necessary dialogue about what kind of sons are being raised today.
Why the Message Matters
The importance of preparing boys for marriage cannot be overstated. Pakistan, like many countries, is witnessing rising divorce rates and marital dissatisfaction, much of which stems from mismatched expectations and poor communication.
When men are unaware of their responsibilities or view marriage as an arrangement where only women must “adjust,” the relationship becomes unbalanced. Educating boys early about respect, empathy, and partnership can help prevent many of these issues before they even arise.
Moreover, when men share household and emotional responsibilities, women experience less burnout and stress — leading to stronger, happier families. This benefits not just individual marriages but the social fabric as a whole.
Lessons for Modern Parents
Gohar Rasheed’s statement offers a valuable takeaway for modern Pakistani parents: it’s time to raise sons differently. Here are a few practical steps families can take to implement his message:
- Model equality at home: Children learn from what they see. When fathers participate in household chores or treat their spouses respectfully, sons internalize that behavior.
- Teach empathy early: Encourage boys to care for siblings, help elders, and understand others’ perspectives.
- Break stereotypes: Avoid labeling chores or emotions as “for girls.” Everyone should know how to cook, clean, and communicate.
- Promote open dialogue: Teach boys to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.
- Encourage accountability: Let sons understand that being a husband means being reliable, understanding, and supportive — not just financially stable.
Conclusion
Gohar Rasheed’s remarks are a wake-up call for society to reconsider how it raises its sons. Preparing boys for marriage is not about making them submissive or less masculine — it’s about creating men who are emotionally mature, responsible, and capable of sustaining healthy relationships.
As Pakistan continues to evolve socially and culturally, such conversations are essential for building stronger families and communities. The path toward equality and understanding begins not in adulthood, but in childhood — at home, with the lessons parents choose to impart.
Rasheed’s voice adds to the growing realization that men, too, must be educated for marriage — because successful partnerships are built not on gender roles, but on mutual respect, empathy, and shared responsibility.
