Empowering Young Women: Addressing the Growing Trend of Cohabitation Without Commitment

In recent years, a troubling trend has emerged among young women in Ghana, one that calls for urgent societal introspection and action. Many young women rush into relationships, often moving in with men under the assumption that it will lead to marriage. They invest years of their lives four, five, or even more building a home, having children, and dedicating themselves to these relationships. However, many of these unions do not culminate in marriage.

Instead, some men exploit this arrangement, leaving these women in vulnerable positions. Over time, these men may start mistreating their partners, neglecting the children born from these relationships, or even abandoning them for other women whom they choose to marry. This leaves many women heartbroken, financially strained, and socially stigmatized, while their children bear the brunt of the instability.

This worrying trend is particularly common among women from certain backgrounds—those with limited education, no employable skills, or from broken homes and poverty-stricken families. For many of these women, cohabitation appears to offer a lifeline, a chance to survive and secure a future in the absence of better opportunities. They often believe that staying with these men will eventually lead to marriage and financial stability. However, these hopes are often dashed, leaving them trapped in abusive or exploitative relationships.

Such relationships are frequently abusive, both physically and emotionally. Many women endure suffering in silence because they lack the means or confidence to report their abusers. They remain in these relationships out of fear of societal judgment, economic insecurity, or for the sake of their children. The cycle of dependency ensures that these women continue to suffer in silence, with little or no support to escape their plight.

My observations are drawn from consistent monitoring of programs like Oyereba Afutuo on radio, where countless women share their heart-wrenching stories. Their experiences have inspired me to pen down this call for action. The stories reveal a stark reality: we must act now to address this growing trend before it becomes a normalized part of our culture.

It is imperative to educate and empower women to recognize their value and make choices that ensure their dignity, independence, and long-term security. Women must be encouraged to prioritize their personal development, acquire education and skills, and seek financial independence. This foundation will not only enable them to advocate for themselves in relationships but also help them avoid situations where they are forced to endure toxic or unfulfilling partnerships.

Marriage should be a relationship built on mutual respect and commitment, beginning with formal recognition of the union. A relationship where a man has not officially married a woman or engaged her family should not be mistaken for a secure path to marriage. Women must be guided to set boundaries and refuse to cohabit with men without a clear and formal commitment.

To address this issue, society as a whole must work together. Parents must play a role in guiding their daughters to make informed decisions about relationships. Community leaders, faith-based organizations, and government must champion the cause of women’s empowerment by teaching young women about self-worth and independence. Public awareness campaigns can also help shed light on the risks of cohabiting without commitment and encourage women to take charge of their lives.

We also need systems that protect women in abusive relationships. Reporting abuse should not be seen as a taboo but as a courageous step toward healing and justice. Shelters, legal aid, and counseling services must be made accessible to vulnerable women, ensuring they have options to leave abusive situations without fear of stigma or destitution.

Ultimately, the goal is to break this cycle and create a society where women are not compelled to accept less than they deserve out of fear or dependency. By empowering women with knowledge, confidence, and independence, we can ensure healthier relationships, stronger families, and a brighter future for all.

Let us work together to raise awareness, educate, and inspire women to demand more because they deserve nothing less.