UP Governor’s ‘Expert Mothers’ Remark Ignites Debate on Women’s Roles

Dr Rasia Nayeem Hashmi

Munsif Daily reached out to educators, doctors, psychologists, social activists and academicians to gather diverse views on the debate surrounding women’s roles in family and society.

The role of women in balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities has once again become the subject of national debate following remarks by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel. Her comments, delivered at a university convocation in Kanpur, have generated intense discussions across social media and public forums, with opinions divided between those who see her statement as an affirmation of the importance of motherhood and those who believe it reinforces traditional gender stereotypes.

The debate has also prompted women from diverse professional and social backgrounds to share their perspectives, reflecting the wide range of views that exist on the subject.

Governor’s Remarks

Addressing the 41st convocation of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel said that young women should strive to become “expert mothers” before aspiring to become IAS officers or teachers. She stressed that professional achievements should not come at the expense of family responsibilities.

While encouraging women to pursue higher education and continue their careers after marriage, the Governor also highlighted the importance of learning essential domestic skills, including cooking, and nurturing strong moral values within the family.

Her remarks quickly went viral, triggering a nationwide debate. While many appreciated her emphasis on parenting and family values, others criticised the statement as regressive, arguing that it places an unfair burden on women while overlooking the shared responsibilities of both parents.

Anandiben Patel is one of India’s senior political leaders and currently serves as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Before assuming gubernatorial office, she served as the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat and has held several important ministerial portfolios during her long political career. 

Voices from Different Walks of Life

Women from different professions, including education, medicine, psychology, social work and academia, shared their reactions with Munsif Daily.

Khadeeja Mahveen, Telangana State Secretary of the Women’s Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said society benefits when women are empowered to excel both professionally and within their families.

"Society benefits when women are empowered to be capable professionals as well as nurturing family members, if they choose. Public discourse should support women's freedom to define success in ways that reflect their individual talents, responsibilities, and ambitions."

Dr. Bushra Irfana, Senior Medical Officer at the Government Unani Dispensary in Nalgonda, highlighted the irreplaceable role of mothers in shaping future generations.

"A good mother possesses many admirable qualities. She is responsible, dedicated, supportive, loyal, truthful and caring. She makes countless sacrifices and provides love, guidance and emotional support to her children. A mother always strives to help her children become responsible, successful and compassionate individuals who may grow into professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, professors, IAS and IPS officers, political leaders or sports champions. Her efforts and values play a vital role in shaping her children's future. That's why all working women should first become good mothers."

Asma Fatima, a School Assistant, expressed complete agreement with the Governor’s views.

"I totally agree with what the UP Governor said. Young women, after marriage, should give time and importance to their families. It is their responsibility to look after their husbands and children. They should give proper care to their children's health, education and character building. In this way, they can raise healthy, educated and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the nation."

Offering a different perspective, counselling psychologist Syeda Farheen Mushtaq emphasised that motherhood should remain a matter of personal choice rather than a benchmark for a woman’s success.

"As a counselling psychologist, I believe every woman deserves the freedom to define a meaningful life in her own way. Motherhood is a deeply meaningful journey for many, but it should be a personal choice—not a prerequisite for a woman's worth, identity or ability to serve society. When women are trusted to choose the paths that align with their values and aspirations, they flourish, and so does society."

Dr. Ayesha Jabeen, Founder and Director of Sabeel-ul-Falah Islamic School for Girls, viewed the Governor’s statement through the lens of gender equality.

"The statement reinforces traditional gender roles by suggesting that a woman's primary identity and success should be defined through motherhood, regardless of her professional achievements. While encouraging women to pursue education and contribute to nation-building is progressive, framing domestic responsibilities as uniquely women's duty places an unequal burden on them. Feminism advocates that caregiving, cooking and parenting are shared responsibilities, not obligations tied to one gender. True empowerment lies in allowing women to define their own aspirations without being judged against patriarchal expectations of the 'ideal mother' or homemaker."

Dr. Sameena Faheem, Professor and Head of the Department of English at Deccan College of Engineering and Technology, welcomed the Governor’s emphasis on women’s education while offering an Islamic perspective on balancing education, family life and parenting. She said education and family responsibilities are not opposing goals but complementary responsibilities that together contribute to building a strong society.

"I sincerely appreciate the Hon'ble Governor's thoughtful remarks on the importance of women's education. Education empowers women with knowledge, confidence, and wisdom, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to society. At the same time, I value her emphasis that educational attainment should go hand in hand with the fulfillment of family responsibilities."

She explained that this vision is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

"From an Islamic perspective, this vision is firmly grounded in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Islam does not regard education and family responsibilities as conflicting objectives; rather, it encourages a balanced and harmonious approach to both. A woman is encouraged to pursue beneficial knowledge while also nurturing her family with love, compassion, and moral guidance. As a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, her education becomes a valuable asset that enhances her ability to build a righteous and enlightened home."

She cited verses from the Holy Qur’an that underscore the importance of seeking knowledge:

"Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'"

(Qur'an 39:9)

Dr. Sameena also referred to the saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim."

(Sunan Ibn Majah 224)

She noted that this obligation applies equally to both men and women, demonstrating that Islam places great importance on education for all believers.

At the same time, she emphasised that the upbringing of children should never be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of mothers.

"However, I would also like to emphasize an equally important point. The responsibility of raising righteous and well-educated children does not rest solely with mothers. Islam assigns this duty to both parents."

Quoting another verse of the Qur’an, she said:

"O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones."

(Qur'an 66:6)

She explained that this command is addressed to all believers, making both husband and wife responsible for guiding and educating their families.

She also cited the Prophet’s ﷺ words:

"Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his family and is responsible for them. A woman is the shepherd of her husband's house and children and is responsible for them."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 7138; Sahih Muslim 1829)

Highlighting the father’s role, she quoted another Hadith:

"No father has given his child a gift better than good manners."

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1952)

Dr. Sameena said these teachings clearly demonstrate that Islam envisions parenting as a shared responsibility. Fathers contribute through leadership, guidance, education and moral direction, while mothers nurture children with compassion, care and emotional support. Together, they lay the foundation for a child’s intellectual, moral and emotional development.

She concluded by appreciating the Governor’s remarks while stressing the importance of recognising the complementary roles of both parents.

"Therefore, I commend the Hon'ble Governor for highlighting the importance of women's education alongside their invaluable role in strengthening families. An educated woman contributes significantly to the intellectual and moral development of society. At the same time, Islam reminds us that the upbringing and education of children are shared responsibilities of both parents. When fathers and mothers work together, they raise a generation that is knowledgeable, morally upright, and capable of contributing positively to the nation."

A Continuing Conversation

The differing responses illustrate that the discussion extends beyond a simple debate over careers and motherhood. At its heart lies a broader question of how society defines women’s roles in the twenty-first century.

While some believe motherhood remains a woman’s most significant responsibility, others argue that true empowerment lies in allowing women the freedom to choose their own paths without societal expectations dictating their priorities.

As the debate continues, one point of consensus emerges across most viewpoints: education remains a powerful force in empowering women and strengthening society. The larger challenge is ensuring that family responsibilities are recognised as a shared commitment rather than the sole responsibility of women.