Cohabitation in sub-Saharan Africa: Does women empowerment matter? Insights from the demographic and health survey

We conclude that women's empowerment plays a significant role in the rising cohabitation rates in SSA. We postulate that addressing adolescent pregnancies could have a significant impact on reducing the practice of cohabitation among women of reproductive age in SSA. Research directions require longitudinal studies to understand the evolving relationship between empowerment and relationship choices, as well as qualitative inquiries to reveal underlying motivations, and comparative analyses across diverse cultural contexts to deepen insights into the interplay between empowerment and cohabitation decisions.