Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

After raising three children of her own, Rose-Ann Greenplanned to slow down and focus on herself.

This dream was, however, not realised, as after her last (wash belly), child graduated from college, she married her lover of 12 years and her work load increased.

Rose-Ann is now 60 years old and currently holds down three part-time jobs.

The truth is, Rose-Ann's husband is a farmer who makes very little and profits from his field are very rare. Rose-Ann therefore assumes the position as breadwinner of the home.

"It is very difficult sometimes because at this age, I should be working less, but if I don't work, there will be no food and the bills can't be paid," Rose-Ann told Flair.

One of Rose-Ann's jobs is in a different parish from the one in which she lives, and this takes her away from her husband every weekend. She often invests her earnings in her husband's farming.

"It affects him a lot because he is always complaining that he should be the one taking care of me and he can't, so he feels less of a man, but it is not a problem for me," Rose-Ann said.

Woman time now

In a period that is now being described as 'woman time now', many women have reached parity with their spouses and often even surpass them, not only in salaries but also educationally.

Rose-Ann is not the only woman who has assumed the responsibility of being breadwinner, but as she pointed out, this causes tension in the home as her husband either sulks when she is around, or he leaves the house to hang out with his friends.

Women are climbing the ladder in many fields and are now Prime Ministers (Portia Simpson Miller), Presidents (Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf), Speaker of the American House of Congress (Nancy Pelosi), chief executive officers and managing directors of companies across the world.

The shift in who wears the pants leaves many men feeling emasculated.

However, there are happy exceptions, as some couples are comfortable in their situation because it works for them.

Struggling fitness instructor

Gloria and John Browncould not be happier. Gloria owns a small business and John is a struggling fitness instructor.

Married for over a year, John was not working prior to the marriage, but this did not stop Gloria.

"We love each other and we're there for each other," Gloria said.

"It's not so much the money, once you're able to balance your life together, it's all right," she continued.

Gloria had three children before meeting John and has since had another child for him and has taken his child before their union as her own.

Not only does John treat the children as his own, but he cares for them while Gloria is at work, attends parent-teachers meetings, and takes care of the domestic duties around the house.

"When I go home , I don't have to cook and when I have goods to pick up in Kingston, he does that for me," Gloria revealed.

Though John is not currently employed, Gloria noted that he is very ambitious and is currently trying to establish a gym to start his own business.

Flair asked several men if they would date a woman who earns more. Here are the responses:

"As long as I am earning good money, it doesn't matter if she earns more than I do, as long as she is not supplementing my income, I am OK,"

- R.P.

"I would be fine if she is earning more than me, as long as she doesn't flaunt it,"

- D.K.

"I admire a woman who is like that, I would not be threatened,"

- S.S.

"It wouldn't work out because at some point in time I would feel less of a man because as a man, I am supposed to be the head of the household and run the show, and I can't do that if I am not earning more money."

- R.H.

"Of course. I am not an insecure man, but if she is going to throw it in my face, I would have a problem."

- L.S.

Names changed on request