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Caption: Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, Imo State First Lady. Photo credit: Chioma’s IG
Summary: Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, the First Lady of Imo State, has publicly called on parents to teach their sons how to cook as a conscious effort to break gendered roles. She also urged stakeholders to take lead action to end gender-based violence.
Barrister Chioma Uzodimma, the First Lady of Imo State, has publicly called on parents to teach their sons how to cook as a conscious effort to break gendered roles. She made this remark during a two-day advocacy programme and town hall meeting on the prevention of gender-based violence that took place at Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on July 2, 2026.
Speaking on gender roles at home, the First Lady described cooking as an essential life skill, not a responsibility reserved solely for women. She stressed that there is nothing wrong with a husband preparing meals for his family and such acts should not be viewed as abnormal or spiritual.
“There is nothing wrong with a husband cooking for the family. Women should also teach both their sons and daughters how to cook. There is no rule that says only women should cook for the family,” she said.
She further explained that training children on practical skills like cooking helps them become independent and responsible adults capable of taking care of themselves regardless of gender. She encouraged parents to raise both genders to be responsible citizens who are capable of taking care of themselves and supporting their families when necessary.
In addition, she urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders present at the event to take the lead action towards ending gender-based violence, saying that harmful cultural practices can only be dismantled through sustained grassroots advocacy and collective action.
“Violence is not culture. Abuse is not discipline. Protecting women and girls does not weaken society; it strengthens it. When leaders stand together, silence is broken. When silence is broken, change begins,” the Barrister stated.
