Breaking the chains of abusive marriage in Olu’ Dolapo’s Miss! Mrs!! Ms!!!

In marriages worldwide, the issue of abusive relationships remains a prevalent and deeply concerning phenomenon. Despite societal progress, many individuals find themselves trapped in abusive marriages, grappling with the conflicting pressures exerted by culture,society, family, and religious institutions. This article examines the complex dynamics surrounding the decision to stay or opt out of abusive marriages, shedding light on the role of cultural norms, societal expectations, familial ties, and religious beliefs in perpetuating the cycle of abuse in Olu’dolapo’s Miss! Mrs!! Ms!!! Through a nuanced analysis of personal accounts and cultural contexts, the study elucidates on the factors influencing individuals’ decisions to stay or leave abusive relationships, ultimately advocating for a paradigm shift towards empowerment and liberation. This article explores these dynamics through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory (EST), aspropounded by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979. EST posits that human development is shaped by multiple systems, ranging from the immediate microsystem of family and peers to the broader macrosystem of cultural values and societal norms. Within this framework,gender dynamics in marriages are seen as the result of reciprocal interactions between individuals and their ecological contexts. The study adopts African Womanism, as articulated by Chikwenye Okonjo Ogunyemi in 1985, which emphasises addressing genderissues within Africa’s culturalrealities, promoting complementary, family-centred, and non-antagonistic gender relations. Findings underscore the multifaceted nature of abusive marriages, highlighting the detrimental impact on individuals’ physical and psychological health, as well as broader societal implications. The study concludes with a call to action, urging policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to reject the normalisation of abuse and prioritise the safety, autonomy, and dignity of all individuals. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive support systems for survivors, education and awareness campaigns to challenge harmful beliefs, and legal reforms to strengthen protections against domestic violence.