Juliana Olayode: Women Should Be Free to Choose Marriage or Singlehood

Kehinde Adeleye

Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has defended women who desire marriage, saying the wish to become a wife should not be interpreted as desperation or a lack of purpose.

Olayode made the remarks in a post shared on her Instagram page, where she argued that women should be allowed to choose the kind of life they want without being judged for their decisions.

The actress said women who are comfortable being single or have no desire to marry deserve the same respect as those who hope to find a husband and build a family.

“Wanting to get married is not a personality disorder,” Olayode wrote.

She stressed that being excited about marriage does not diminish a woman’s ambitions, achievements or sense of purpose, noting that the fact that some marriages end badly does not mean everyone should view the institution negatively.

Olayode recalled an encounter at a salon where she overheard women criticising another woman for openly expressing her desire to get married. She said she joined the discussion before later finding humour in the situation after coming across a “BRIDE” swimsuit that a friend had gifted her in 2024.

According to the actress, people have the right to decide that marriage is not for them, but should extend the same freedom to women who genuinely desire it.

She noted that women can pursue different aspirations at different stages of their lives, including faith, purpose, career, financial stability, friendship, family and marriage.

Olayode concluded by wishing women who desire marriage good partners and fulfilling unions, ending her message with the words, “Up Love! Up Marriage!