Mumbai: The IPL’s current in-form team, Rajasthan Royals, partnered with Ariel India, to support equality within the household and join the #ShareTheLoad Movement, at a press conference here in Mumbai. In response to a recently conducted survey by an independent third party agency on Indian Households which revealed that nearly 76% of Indian men feel laundry is only a woman’s job*, women from across the country sparked a pan-India movement to bust gender stereotypes and end inequality within the Indian household. Supported by Ariel India, the #ShareTheLoad Movement, has seen a host of famous faces joining including the likes of Shilpa Shetty, Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Amala Paul, Mandira Bedi, Neha Dhupia, Boman Irani, Sania Mirza, Shoppers Stop, Masaba, American Crew, with the Royals being the newest partners to champion the cause!
With the survey revealing that 72% of Indian women want to only marry a man who will help with household chores*, it is clear that equality within the household is a burning issue for women across the country. Following up on the recent launch of its new customized ‘His & Her’ pack with a Do-It-Yourself Laundry Manual for Men, and the revolutionary ‘Men and Women’ wash care labels, Ariel India now welcomes on-board the first-ever IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, as they pledge to #ShareTheLoad to drive equality within the household.
Team Mentor, Rahul Dravid, was thrilled to join the Movement, “Having spent close to two decades as a professional cricketer, traveling across the world and constantly on tour, I’ve been truly blessed to have such a strong support system back home. Having now retired, it’s my turn to give back and #ShareTheLoad at home! From helping the kids with homework, to doing a few household chores, I try my best to ensure my wife is equally supported. Helping around the house with household chores is a value system I was raised on, and I believe more men from across the country need to commit to drive equality within the household. Something as simple as doing the laundry can go a long way in forging a healthy partnership at home and I’m glad to partner with Ariel which is the No.1 recommended brand by washing machine makers globally.”
Rajasthan Royals, CEO, Raghu Iyer, commented on the partnership, “#ShareTheLoad is a campaign of significant importance and we are thrilled to partner with Ariel India to further drive the message of household equality. The Royals is a team built on partnerships and equality is the foundation of our success. Cricketers are role models to millions across the country, and to see these guys pledge to do the laundry while balancing their busy and hectic schedules is a true reflection of the change that Ariel India is driving. We are thrilled to join this partnership, and look forward to having more men from across the country take this pledge!”
Newly-wed star cricketer Ajinkya Rahane was excited to drive this change, “Despite the hectic schedules and commitments of being a professional cricketer, my wife and I always ensure we split the chores at home equally, this way we also manage to get more quality time with each other. #ShareTheLoad is a very important and progressive message and helping out with household chores is the key to a successful marriage. I encourage more men from across the country to come forward and help drive equality within the household, since with a detergent like Ariel, anyone can get perfect laundry results in just 1-Wash.!”
Australian Test Captain and World Cup Winner, Steven Smith, added “Just as partnerships are key to a successful cricket team, partnerships at home are crucial for a healthy personal life. As cricketers, we are constantly on the road, playing in different countries and this can take its toll. However, finding the time to #ShareTheLoad at home is not only a great way to de-stress but it also ensures quality time with your better halves. I am delighted the Royals are championing this cause and I’m certain #ShareTheLoad will not just drive equality within the household, but also drive us to the title!”
Attributed to Sharat Verma, Associate Brand Director, Fabric Care, P&G India, “The national survey on Indian households conducted by an independent third party agency, supported by Ariel, reinforced that Indian women feel there exists an inequality between men & women when it comes to household chores and specially laundry. Ariel supports all men who pledge to #ShareTheLoad of laundry at home and celebrates their pride of getting the best stain removal in 1-wash.”
