A recent viral photo of Gambian women staging a so-called protest demanding husbands sparked discussion about marriage in the country. 

However, it turned out that the protest photo was taken at a video shoot of Gambian artist, Sparklyn Black’s new single Bum Yomba. 

Gambiana set to find out if the husband shortage is real or a myth. 

A 30-year-old Gambian woman who doesn’t want to be named said the shortage of husbands is a real issue for her. 

She said she has been looking for a man to marry her for years without success, adding that she feared growing old without a husband.

“I am 30 years and now menopause starts early to avoid being childless I have to get married,” she said.

Young men have been blamed for the problem as many are either unwilling to marry due to economic circumstances or have left the country for greener pastures. 

A Gambian man who spoke to our reporter explained some of the reasons why young men are holding back on marriage. 

They included the current economic challenges, migration, the high dowry demand, and the cost of marriage ceremonies. 

Another issue the young man raised is 

possibility of losing multiple fiancés once married. 

“Some men have an age target to marry, where they believe they will be able to accomplish a little of their wishes,” he said.

Another young lady disagreed and said the unmarried young men should be courageous enough to ask their hand for marriage. 

She said she is committed to supporting her future husband’s dreams and aspirations.

“For me, I want to get married now, simply because I believe I have reached maturity and need to execute my duties as a woman to build a family,” she said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba