While the world is evolving, changing and women are fighting for their rights, there are many Egyptians who still live by the rules of patriarchy and even kick it up a notch.
According to influencer Kholoud Ezz, when a woman is in a relationship, her partner is not only expected to provide for her and always pay the bills, but also to give her an allowance. Her statement did not go well with Egypt’s current most outspoken woman – who had a major role in the ABZ and Fairmont cases- Sabah Khodir. The activist shared parts of Ezz’s stories, feeling distraught that someone with huge fan base would spread such a message in 2002.
Ezz shared her two cents on her stories, advising women to make sure that their partners give them an allowance and even goes as far as saying that if they don’t, they’re not acting manly enough.
As part of the culture in Egypt, it has become somewhat expected of men to provide for their wives and have an allowance for the home which includes groceries, bills, pharmaceuticals, etc.
While many people in our generation are slowly changing that concept and women are also sharing in financial responsibilities around the house, the question being raised is should the husband/fiancé or boyfriend also provide his wife/fiancée or girlfriend with an allowance to cover her personal needs and expenses? And if not, does that make him any less of a man or indicate that he is not taking proper care of his partner?
Let’s say both individuals work full time jobs, should he still be expected to provide the woman with an allowance? If so, what does she do with her salary?
Where is the line drawn to what a male should or shouldn’t or how much he should or shouldn’t pay to make him worthy?
When responding to attacks, Ezz brought classism as a way to justify her expectations of a partner and his financial obligation. But does having more money mean that they should be held responsible for their partner’s personal expenses?
In every family, they go by a certain set of rules of what is expected of the male and what is expected of the female, but while there are certain cultural generalizations and gender roles that are set, isn’t this putting a bit too much pressure on males and the number of financial responsibilities they have already?
Let us know what you think and whether you believe that your partner should give you an allowance to cover your daily expenses or not.
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