Sexist hashtags are a common occurrence on Saudi Twitter, and women are almost always the target.
This week, a hashtag titled "would you marry a woman who doesn't cook" reached a new low. One would think that gender-role stereotypes have been washed down the drain in the 21st century, but sadly that doesn't seem to be the case.
What's even more cringe-worthy? The fact that a number of men actually responded "no" to the trending hashtag.
"No way"
"Not a chance!"
"Never"
The one question that sums up the sentiments
"Why don't you [men] cook?"
"Are you marrying the woman or the kitchen?"
There was one response that grabbed people's attention
"Putting criteria on marriage that are linked to cooking, cleaning, and other superficial items, means you are not fit for marriage. You are treating her as though she's a maid, which is not the basis for a marriage. Don't even think about marriage unless you change your perception and understanding of family, marriage and commitment."
"Are you marrying a chef or a human being?"
"Life is not all about food"
"I will marry her and her father if that's what it takes! God bless restaurants"
"In Islamic law, a woman is not required to cook for a man"
If your centuries-old brain needs a bit more proof ...
Unfortunately, the majority of men in the Arab world still believe in gender-roles
In 2017, a >study titled The International Men and Gender Equality Survey - Middle East and North Africa (IMAGES MENA) revealed that a majority of men in the region still believe in gender-roles.
The study, conducted by UN Women and Promundo - a global organization that promotes gender equality - surveyed nearly 10,000 men and women in four countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Palestine.
The results? Two-thirds of men surveyed believe a woman's main role should be taking care of the household.
Also, the study revealed that more than three-quarter of men, and women at nearly the same rate, believe men's access to the job market should be prioritized over women's.
"It is not just men who uphold the patriarchy, women buy into a lot of these attitudes as well," said Shereen El Feki, senior fellow at Promundo, adding that greater equality would require changing both mindsets.
However, a percentage of men explained that they were willing to accept having a working female partner - as long as he remains the main financial provider.