Readers say marriage does not define a woman's life

isaac dachen

October 19, 2016 10:09 AM

Pulse Nigeria Poll readers seem to agree with Mmakamba that a woman does not have to be married to achieve greatness in her life.

Pulse Nigeria voters say single ladies can live in their parents' home for the rest of their lives.

But she is successful on her own and feels she does not need a husband to live a fulfilled life.

"My name is Mmakamba, a 38-year-old businesswoman based in Lagos, though I am from the southern part of Nigeria.

I have a five-year-old son I had for a German man and I can tell you he is the most important thing that has ever happened to me.

When I dated his father, we knew we were not going to get married. Ours was a mutually beneficial relationship and I must say I gained a lot from the affair.

I owe much of my business success to , my son's father and I do not believe I have to get married to be successful or give my child the best.

I am doing very well and have two houses in Lagos and one in my hometown. I do not miss marriage because I don't think there is anything a man can give me that I cannot get on my own.

I have been through hell in the hands of men that I have hardened my heart towards them and prefer being on my own. I will not go into details of the pains I have gone through in the past.

But they went a long way to helping me make up my mind not to get married. Though some people are of the view that it is only when you are married that you can have security and comfort but I am do not subscribe to that.

My only problem now is that my father who is a traditional ruler in my town has given me an ultimatum to get married by the end of this year or he would ban me from coming home or even participating in anything that has to do with his family.

He has banned all my mother and siblings from coming to me or accepting anything from me.

I am deeply hurt by my father's actions and as much as I love and respect him, I wish he will understand that it is not a must for a woman to get married.

I have always obeyed him but this time, I want to stand my ground and let him know I can live without a man.

Mmakamba."

The teaser for the day was:

Must a woman get married to be recognized in a society?

How Nigeria voted:

Yes, only married woman are accorded recognition in some communities - 27%

No, marriage does not mean you are accorded recognition - 40%

A woman can be single and still get recognized - 7%

It is only in Africa that marriage is seen in that light - 27%

What is your vote on this issue?

isaac dachen