“Why can’t a man wash plate?” – Teniola Aladese challenges gender roles in homes

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has sparked fresh debate on gender roles and domestic labour after questioning why household chores are still largely seen as a woman’s responsibility, despite changing social and economic realities.

Questioning long-held stereotypes

Speaking during a podcast conversation, the actress criticised what she described as outdated expectations placed on women in relationships and marriages.

“Why can’t a man wash plate? Like, why do we keep perpetuating these gender stereotypes?” she asked. “A woman will cook, wash plate, and the man will just work. But women also work. We go out there, we hustle just like them.”

She argued that the imbalance becomes more glaring at home, where women are often expected to take on all domestic duties regardless of their professional commitments.

“Why is it that the moment we come home, it’s the woman that has to do everything? Cook, clean, wash… everything!” she said.

“Times have changed”

Aladese acknowledged that previous generations may have accepted such roles but insisted that modern realities demand a shift in mindset.

“Our mothers might have done it, but times have changed. Both genders are working now. So why can’t the man help with the plates?” she asked.

She stressed that domestic contribution should not be linked to masculinity or ego.

“It’s not about being less of a man. It’s about partnership. Stop with these stereotypes,” she said.

Call for shared responsibility

Concluding her remarks, the actress highlighted the toll uneven domestic labour takes on women.

“Women are tired. We work too. Let’s share the load,” she said.

Her comments have reignited conversations around equality at home, partnership in marriage, and the need to redefine traditional gender expectations in modern relationships.

Watch the video below…

“Why can’t a Man wash plate? Why do we keep perpetuating these gender stereotypes,a Woman will cook,wash plate and the Man will just work but women also work”

Actress Teniola in a Podcast!!! pic.twitter.com/fkXweLLChs

— ‘Mide (@LookingForMide) February 17, 2026