Some younger women have expressed that they would rather secure their emotional well-being, financial independence and career ambition than enter marriages that they fear could limit their potential.

This comes as marriage, once considered a near-inevitable milestone in a woman’s life, is increasingly becoming a choice rather than an expectation, as more young women in Nigeria and across the world embrace singlehood altogether during their prime adult years.

Speaking to The Guardian, they argued that marriage should not come at the expense of personal growth or fulfilment.

The trend is reflected in global and Nigerian data. A research study published by the United States-based Institute for Family Studies showed that only 23 per cent of 25-year-old women had ever been married, while the proportion of 35-year-old women who had married fell from 90 per cent in 1980 to 60 per cent in 2025.

In Nigeria, research body Intelpoint reported that the proportion of women of reproductive age who were married declined from 76.7 per cent in 1970 to 66.4 per cent in 2024. Its projections suggest the figure could fall further to 64.5 per cent by 2030, pointing to a continuing shift in the country’s marriage patterns.

Nollywood actress, Miwa Olorunfemi, told The Guardian that younger women are intentional about marriage. Noting that women deserve more and are increasingly improving their standard of living, Olorunfemi also noted that “it’s not just about getting married because you’ve reached a certain age.”

According to her, women now want companionship, peace, compatibility and a relationship that actually adds value to their lives.

Also, a marriage committee member at Winners Church, Anita Agbo, who has been married for over 30 years, said economic development was now empowering women and offering them decisive opportunities to back their actions.

Among others, a mother of three, Ene Ogbole – a communication expert at the Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighted the rising shifts where women prefer stronger partnership, education, careers, financial independence and greater awareness of their rights.