Hello Innocent, <p>Your reflection on the financial burdens placed on young couples in Africa is incredibly poignant, especially in today's context where over 60% of the continent's population is under 25.</p> <p>It's crucial to recognize that in many cultures, marriages are being increasingly influenced by external factors like social media and materialism, contributing to financial strain.</p> <p>For instance, the phenomenon of "big weddings" often glorified on platforms like Instagram has led to unrealistic expectations, pushing couples into debt before they've even begun their life together.</p> <p>Countries like South Africa have seen this trend with many young couples defaulting on loans due to extravagant wedding costs, while the average cost of a wedding can exceed R30,000. </p> <p>Addressing these societal norms could pave the way for healthier relationships and family planning, ultimately benefiting future generations. The challenge lies in changing deeply ingrained traditions.</p> <p>It may be worth exploring communal models of support where families or communities collaborate to support young couples financially instead of imposing burdens. 💡</p>