“Bride price is like selling women” — Woman calls for end to bride price tradition

A woman has sparked widespread debate on social media after a video of her calling for the abolition of bride price went viral, arguing that the practice fuels domestic violence and reinforces the belief that women are property.

In the video, the woman questioned the transactional nature of traditional marriage rites, saying many men feel entitled to control their wives because they “paid in full.”

Viral video challenges traditional marriage practices

He argued that this mindset often shows up during marital conflicts, especially in cases of abuse.

“If you look at many cases of domestic violence, you hear men say, ‘She’s my wife, I paid in full, she’s my property,’” she said.

Using a market analogy, the woman explained that once money is exchanged for goods, a sense of ownership follows.

According to her, the same logic is applied to marriage when families demand excessive items before releasing their daughters.

“They will ask you to change their roof, bring bags of rice, wrappers, and multiple lists for different people. After a man goes through all that, tell me why he won’t feel like he bought the woman,” she said, adding that such practices make some men believe their wives have no right to say no or question decisions.

“I paid in full” mentality blamed for abuse

She further described bride price as “low-key sales,” insisting that marriage should be about love and blessings, not financial transactions.

“For me, bride price should be abolished. Let a woman say, ‘This is who I love,’ and the parents give their blessings. All these charges make some men feel they own women,” she said.