What causes women and girls to hesitate in pursuing marriage these days. Regardless of how much pressure their families and relatives exert, they remain unwilling to commit. Is this due to their  feminist views? Or is it because they have their own source of income? Perhaps it’s because they feel self sufficient and do not require men’s assistance? The blame falls on societal influences and the circumstances surrounding us.

Daily we witness countless instances in newspapers, broadcasts, and across social media platforms. Numerous incidents related to dowry-related abuse are reported. Some believe that the younger generation of women is to blame. This wasn’t the case in earlier times; none of us have been privy to such issues, nor do we hear of such troubles affecting the women in our families. For those who hold this view, it must be noted that women across all nations have long grappled with challenges, often silencing their struggles for various reasons.

Today’s women are more open about their challenges with parents and others. Was the openness present in the past, or did families simply advise patience, stating Endure,and all will improve in time? Is it really that simple? Habituation occurs in many forms. Numerous girls take their own lives post-marriage, while countless others suffer in silence without achieving their aspirations, and a handful choose to leave. A significant number of women choose to remain mute for the sake of their children. Presently, a widely discussed topic on social media is weather marriage is advisable. The majority suggest that remaining unmarried is preferable based on their personal experience.

Many young women grow up observing their mother’s hardships, and it’s not surprising that such experiences lead them to shy away from marriage. The marriage rates in Kerala are plummeting, with divorce requests surging by 40% since 2016. Factors like education, career ambitions, financial independence, shifts in traditional societal norms, and the experience of others are compelling women to reassess their views.

The aspiration of girls have evolved drastically. Kerala  has consistently championed women’s empowerment, especially contrast to other Indian states. Hence it leads in terms of women’s education, boasting a female literacy rate of 92% as per 2011 statics. With a new census approaching, this figure is anticipated to  change.

As woman received education, there began  to take on roles previously dominated by men. Their lifestyle and perspectives transformed as they began to traveling alone, engaging in entrepreneurship, and increasingly securing employment to provide for themselves. When faced with different circumstances, they opt for independence. In any event, Kerala outshine other states in terms of safeguarding woman. Throughout history, every government in Kerala has prioritized woman safety. Given this context, the question arises; why seek a partner When living solo poses no significant issues?

Since 2018, the presence of female profiles on matrimonial sites has declined by 57%. In an age that prioritizes personal autonomy over marriage, individuals are steering towards the conclusion of remaining unmarried. There exists but one life, so why gamble on it unnecessarily? Recent research indicate that woman can find happiness even without marriage or external support. While some woman experience mental health challenges, they appreciate their autonomy in light of their situations. Experts predict that by 2030, at least half of all woman may choose not to marry. 

Divorce rates soars in urban centres like Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. This can be attributed to woman and their families residing in cities where greater educational opportunities, progressive mindsets, and job market exist. Variation in education levels,  matters of dowry, and the influence of social media all play a role in marriage choices. Most parent today do not coerce their daughter into wedlock.

The aversion of girls towards marriage is not indicative of a social illness but rather a cultural insistence on autonomy, a yearning for tranquility. Education, financial self-sufficiency, and awareness around domestic violence are propelling this trend forward.