Esma et Lola: A Dialogue on Women's Roles in 2025 PDF

Lola (Housewife): Let me tell you something, Esma. Without women like me, society would be in ruins. I am the heart of my home! I raise my children, care for my family, and create a warm, loving environment. What’s more important than that? Esma (Businesswoman): Oh, please, Lola. It’s 2025, not the...

Lola (Housewife): Let me tell you something, Esma. Without women like me, society would be in ruins. I am the heart of my home! I raise my children, care for my family, and create a warm, loving environment. What’s more important than that? Esma (Businesswoman): Oh, please, Lola. It’s 2025, not the Middle Ages! Women aren’t just homemakers anymore—we’re leaders, innovators, decision-makers! While you’re folding laundry, I’m signing contracts and changing the world. Lola: Changing the world? By sitting in a fancy office and pretending to be important? Meanwhile, your kids are at home being raised by YouTube and babysitters. Don’t talk to me about changing the world when you can’t even be there for your own family! Esma: Babysitters? Oh, Lola, how quaint. My kids see a role model who shows them that women can do everything. I teach them independence, ambition, and self-respect. What do your kids see? A woman who sacrifices herself for everyone else. Lola: Sacrifice? It’s called love, Esma! I give my children the care and attention they deserve, not whatever’s left over after a long day of chasing a paycheck. Can you even remember the last time you tucked your kids into bed? Esma: Can YOU remember the last time you did something for yourself? You’re hiding behind your apron because you’re afraid to step into the real world. You call it love, but it’s fear, Lola. Pure fear. Lola: How dare you! I have more strength in one day of raising children than you do in a year of sending emails and yelling at interns. My family respects me for putting them first. Can your employees say the same about you? Esma: Respect? Or pity? Let me guess—you call your husband to fix the Wi-Fi because you don’t even know how it works. Meanwhile, I’m running a multi-million-dollar business. My husband doesn’t own me; we’re equals. Lola: Oh, so now I’m oppressed because I value my family? I CHOOSE to be home because it’s fulfilling. Not everyone needs to chase some empty corporate dream to feel validated. Esma: Empty? My work gives me purpose. I provide for my family in ways you never could. Your “fulfilment” is a luxury that comes from living off someone else’s paycheck. Lola: At least my family knows I’m there for them. Not some absent figure too busy with “important” meetings to notice their kids are growing up without them. Esma: And at least MY kids know they can follow their dreams without being told to stay in a box labelled “wife” or “mother.” You’re living in the past, Lola. The world has moved on, and women like me are proof of that. Lola: And women like me are proof that love, family, and sacrifice never go out of style. Maybe you should put down your phone and try it sometime. You might actually like it. Esma: Maybe you should pick up a phone and get with the times. The 21st century is calling, Lola—it wants you to join us. Lola: The 21st century can wait. My family comes first. Always. Esma: And that’s why you’ll always be stuck in the past.