Parents want marriage, I am not ready

I am a 27-year-old woman working for a prominent bank. My parents are pressuring me to get married. They keep introducing me to potential suitors, and every family gathering turns into a discussion about why I’m still single. I have a good job, and I want to focus on my career, but they don’t understand. Is it legal to force a person to marry? I can’t handle this pressure anymore? Please guide.
HJ, Dar es Salaam

It is not legal to coerce a person into marriage because, according to the law, marriage means the voluntary union of a man and a woman, intended to last for their joint lives. When a marriage is contracted without the free consent of the parties involved, it is regarded as void (legally unrecognised). According to section 38(1)(e) of the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 [R.E 2019], a ceremony purporting to be a marriage shall be a nullity if the consent of either party was not freely and voluntarily given. What your family is doing to you is a common issue, especially in Tanzanian culture, where marriage is often seen as a significant milestone in adulthood. Furthermore, as a woman, the expectation to conform to societal norms is even higher.

However, times are changing, and many young women are choosing to focus on their careers or personal growth before settling down. The key is communication. Sit your parents down and clearly explain your plans. Reassure them that you value their guidance but need to make this decision on your own terms. If they continue to push, establish firm boundaries. For instance, if they bring up marriage at family gatherings, calmly remind them that you have made your decision and that the law protects you in that you cannot be forced to get married. It is your life, and you deserve to marry when, and if, you’re ready.