In a recent survey conducted by Mwelekeo Insights, a noticeable trend among women under the age of 30 is emerging: a growing commitment to prioritize personal ambitions over traditional marriage.
The study, published on February 25, surveyed 2,687 women, revealing that 53% of respondents preferred to forgo marriage, while only 29% expressed a desire to marry. Meanwhile, 18% of women remained undecided about their marital future.
Reasons Behind Delayed Marriage
Financial independence topped the list of reasons for deprioritizing marriage, cited by 52% of women. This was closely followed by aspirations for career advancement (31%) and a wish for personal freedom (17%).
Interestingly, respondents also highlighted a divide in societal pressures about marriage. While half of the women felt a rise in expectations to marry, the other half reported a decrease in such pressures.
Furthermore, 60% of participants considered marriage to be a constraint on their personal freedoms, while 25% saw it as a beneficial change and 15% held neutral views.
The Link Between Education and Marriage Timing
The research pointed to a correlation between higher education and a tendency to prioritize career goals over the institution of marriage, indicating that university-educated women were more likely to delay marrying compared to their peers with only secondary qualifications.
When discussing the ideal age for tying the knot, the responses varied widely:
- 30% preferred to marry between the ages of 28 and 30.
- 45% felt more comfortable waiting until after 30.
- 18% were uncertain about the best age to marry.
Changing Perspectives on Marriage and Fulfillment
A striking 80% of respondents indicated a preference for career and financial stability over marriage. Additionally, 59% of women under 30 asserted that they do not view marriage as a necessary component of a fulfilling life, in contrast to 41% who disagreed.
Religious beliefs appeared to play a role in shaping attitudes toward marriage, with 53% acknowledging some influence of their faith on their views. Meanwhile, 33% felt minimal impact from religious teachings, and 14% reported religion had no bearing on their perspective at all.
Acceptance of Polygamous Relationships and Urban-Rural Dynamics
Interestingly, 51% of women indicated they would consider a polygamous marriage if it would enhance their financial situation.
The study further revealed compelling statistics:
- 67% of women with higher education prioritized career goals over marriage, whereas only 33% of those with a secondary education shared this view.
- 70% of respondents who identified as non-religious deemed marriage unnecessary.
- Urban women (62%) showed a greater inclination to deprioritize marriage compared to their rural counterparts (38%).
As women continue to reshape their views on marriage, this research highlights a transformative trend where financial security and career aspirations take center stage, redefining what fulfillment means for the modern woman.
