By Michaella Faith Wright

In many African communities, parents, particularly mothers, often place immense pressure on their daughters to marry at an early age, believing marriage equates to success in life. However, some are calling for a shift in focus—urging parents to prioritize education and empowerment for their daughters instead of pushing them into early marriage.

African societies often place heavy expectations on young women, equating marriage with personal fulfillment and societal approval. For many African parents, especially mothers, seeing their daughters married is seen as a significant milestone that defines success. However, this emphasis on early marriage can come at the expense of education and personal growth.

African parents, particularly mothers, need to reconsider the pressure placed on young girls to marry early. It is more beneficial to empower these girls through education or skills training, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.

While early marriage is not inherently negative, many argue that it should come after a girl has had the opportunity to gain education and develop her independence. An empowered, educated woman has the tools to make informed decisions about her life, including when and whom to marry.

The pressure is too much on young women today. If parents cannot afford formal education for their daughters, the least they can do is help them acquire valuable skills and understand the importance of self-respect and independence.

By empowering girls with knowledge and skills, they can become strong contributors to society, capable of making their own choices about marriage and their futures.