Parenting Isn't Just Mom's Job, Says Actor

Actor Shefali Shah recently urged a societal re-evaluation of parenting norms, asserting that child-rearing responsibilities should not rest exclusively with mothers. She emphasized the critical role fathers play in instilling values, behavior, and respect within the household.

Speaking at the TOI Uttarakhand Transformation Dialogues 2026, Shah stated that raising children correctly is a collective effort. She pointed out that placing the entire burden on mothers perpetuates outdated gender roles and limits fathers' engagement. Shah believes a father's behavior towards women at home significantly influences children's learning and outlook.

The actor connected responsible parenting to women's safety, positing that a respectful society begins with how boys are raised at home, fostering sensitivity and respect from an early age. Shah also touched upon the significance of education and financial independence for women, defining equality not as competition but as comfort and self-assurance in one's own space. She noted how women are increasingly leveraging everyday skills to establish businesses, transforming their capabilities into economic opportunities.