Today I was very offended by a sponsored post that came through my Instagram feed.  It came from Pulse Ghana and it was titled “Here are 9 Beautiful Ghanaian Celebrities that Are Not Married.”  Once again a woman’s worth is being dictated by her marital status. Seriously? 
The video post scrolled through images with the names of famous Ghanaian women and says that they are posting about love on social media but remain single. It went through a list of accomplished women with thriving careers; Joselyn Dumas, Yvonne Nelson, Sandra Ankobiah, Deloris Frimpong Manso, Becca, Lydia Forson, Nadia Buari and Yvonne Okoro.  All of these women have forged careers in the highly competitive media industry. Instead of being praised for what they have done, they are being singled out because they are not married.  

It’s ironic that during the month of March, known  ‘Women’s Month’ internationally, is the time when such an archaic post would be made.  ‘Ghana 60 Years On’ and women are still measured by their marital status. I was recently getting my badge as a Speaker at the Enterprise Africa event in Accra and the woman who was printing my name badge said, “Mrs. Ivy Prosper, right?”. I said, “No, it’s not Mrs.” She smiled with embarrassment and said “Oh, ok”.  It is usually assumed in Ghana and other Africa countries that a woman of a certain age group should be married. When you’re not, people talk about it and some even insult you behind your back when they learn you’re unmarried. 

I loved when Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said to never speak of marriage as an achievement. It’s true. There are many women, who by the pressures of society still aspire for marriage like a badge of honour.  

Marriage is a blessing and I am no way saying being married is bad. The union of two people is the most amazing thing because real love is beautiful.  But I don’t subscribe to the idea that a woman is only complete when she is married. 

I want to say that I salute the women who were listed in the article for working hard and becoming the success stories many strive for and also the many women in the world who are ambitious, loving and give it their all in everything they do.

You are amazing. Married, single, divorced or in a relationship, no matter what, your worth is not determined by your relationship status. 

If you want to read the ridiculous post by Pulse, click here ==>> LINK