Every society has its own marriage mentality. African societies are no exception to that rule. In fact, in this post, I gave some examples of what I personally experienced.
With its complex history of traditional beliefs and practices, the mentality around marriage in Africa has significant implications for business operations and customer relations.
This post will explore the story of a close relative of mine who was granted with an accommodation only because she was with a man.
I will also dive in the lessons we can learn from this experience.
The story
Jasmine, a young professional woman who relocated to a new African city for work, had been searching for accommodation for weeks.
But every time she applied for a rental, she was turned down. Puzzled by this, and after several attempts, Jasmine finally asked one of the landlords why her application was turned down.
The property owner responded that he preferred married couples as tenants, citing the belief that unmarried people were more likely to engage in immoral activities.
Jasmine was shocked, frustrated and hurt by such experience. She was raised to value education and career goals, and being unmarried should not be a barrier to finding a place to call home.
Upon her appointment with the next proprietor, Jasmine decided to show up with a male childhood friend of hers. The landlord assumed they were married. Perception took over reality…
And when the property owner asked if they had children, they both answered affirmatively. Technically, it is true. They both had children. Just not together.
As a result, Jasmine moved into her new apartment. But she couldn’t shake off the feeling of the discrimination she experienced. Neither could I.
Marriage mentality in Africa
Jasmine’s story is not unique. In many parts of Africa, marriage is considered a significant milestone in a person’s life.
Indeed, it is seen as a societal expectation that everyone should aspire to, and anyone who deviates from this norm is often met with skepticism and outright discrimination.
Such mentality is deeply ingrained in the culture and has implications for how people conduct themselves in their personal and professional lives.
In many businesses in Africa, marriage is also a factor in the hiring and promotion process. Some employers openly prioritize married candidates over unmarried ones, assuming that they are more reliable and responsible.
This mentality is not only discriminatory, but also harms businesses in the long run by limiting the talent pool and creating a toxic work environment.
Property owners did not consider that Jasmine could have been in any of the following situations:
- Long distance marital relation
- Not interested in being in a relationship
- Widowed
- Survivor of an abusive marriage
That was appalling! No proprietor cared whether Jasmine was a criminal or not. They did not consider her payment capabilities. Or anything else. The most important for them was for Jasmine to be married.
Business lessons and opportunities.
The experience of Jasmine offers valuable lessons for businesses operating in Africa. First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize the impact of societal norms on the workplace.
While it is important to respect cultural practices, businesses must also strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment that welcomes everyone, regardless of their marital status.
Secondly, businesses need to actively combat discrimination and bias in their hiring and promotion processes.
By adopting merit-based criteria and promoting a culture of inclusivity, businesses can attract and retain the best talent, regardless of their marital status.
Finally, businesses need to be aware of the changing societal norms and adapt their policies and practices accordingly.
As the younger generation becomes more educated and career-driven, the importance of marriage is slowly losing its significance. This is a fact.
Therefore, businesses must be mindful of this shift and adjust their operations to cater to the changing needs and expectations of their customers and employees.
This is merely a reminder of the need for businesses to be inclusive and mindful of their biases to provide equal opportunities for all customers.
Conclusion
Discrimination of any form, whether based on gender, marital status, race, or any other factor, is not only immoral but can also have severe consequences for businesses.
Discriminatory practices can lead to decreased employee morale, lower productivity, and legal repercussions.
In contrast, a diverse and inclusive workplace promotes innovation, creativity, and increased productivity.
Businesses in Africa should ensure that their recruitment and hiring practices are fair, unbiased and skills-based.
Such hiring practices can help attract and retain top talent and foster a positive and productive work environment.
Companies that adopt these values will be more successful, attract top talent, and foster a culture of innovation and growth.
In conclusion: discrimination against unmarried women, as illustrated by Jasmine’s story, is a reminder of the negative impact that narrow-minded societal beliefs can have on individuals.
Might I ask… How do you feel about the marriage mentality in Africa? Have ever experienced discrimination based on your marital status? Do you believe it is possible to improve the status quo? How so? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comment section.
This post aimed to expose the mentality around marriage in the African societies. Feel free to comment and share.