A woman's job is to stay home and take care of children – Jay Fordjour Snr

Veteran Ghanaian actor Jay Fordjour Snr has shared his views on marriage and family roles, stating that a woman’s primary responsibility in marriage should be staying home to nurture her children.

Speaking on MzGee’s G O’clock during a discussion on why some men feel intimidated by outspoken women, the actor argued that marriages where roles are clearly defined tend to last longer than those where responsibilities are shared.

According to him, the traditional structure—where the man provides financially while the woman manages the home—creates stability for both the marriage and the children.

“Ideally, a man goes to find money, and a woman stays home and takes care of the kids,” Jay Fordjour said.

The actor, known for his roles in The Beacation, M’asase, Robbing Peter, and Ahenfie, expressed concern about modern households where both partners work full-time, leaving children in the care of nannies.

He believes this arrangement negatively affects child development, as children are more likely to adopt the attitudes and behaviours of their caregivers rather than their parents.

“Man goes to work, woman goes to work, they leave the kids at home. The nanny takes care of them, even with homework. In six to ten years, you’ll be wondering why your child behaves like the nanny—because neither you nor your spouse had time for the child,” he explained.

Jay Fordjour further emphasized that women are natural nurturers and play a critical role in shaping the moral and emotional growth of children.

“Ideally, the structure of the home is that women stay home. Women are nurturers. They stay home to take care of the children, and the man goes out to hustle,” he added.

His comments have since sparked conversation on gender roles, parenting, and the evolving dynamics of modern marriages.