Prioritise marriage, children ahead of professional dreams, Dr Mujajati tells Zambian women
Renowned physician, author and entrepreneur Dr Aaron Mujajati has urged Zambian women whose hopes are to be mothers to prioritise marriage, having children ahead of chasing professional dreams.
Dr Mujajati says a growing trend is setting, in which some women who do want marriage or children are delaying these dreams for years in pursuit of career milestones, only to discover later that biology doesn’t always wait for their schedules.
He says female fertility begins to decline gradually in the early 30s and more sharply after 35 adding that by the early 40s, natural conception becomes significantly less likely, and the risk of pregnancy complications increases.
Dr Mujajati writes:
In today’s Zambia, more women than ever are breaking barriers in business, medicine, law, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
This is something to celebrate, your ambition, resilience, and brilliance are shaping our nation’s future.
However, I’ve seen a growing trend that deserves an honest conversation: some women who do want marriage or children are postponing these dreams for years in pursuit of career milestones, only to discover later that biology doesn’t always wait for our schedules.
The Biological Clock Is Real. It’s not about pressure. Here are the facts:
1. Female fertility begins to decline gradually in the early 30s and more sharply after 35.
2. By the early 40s, natural conception becomes significantly less likely, and the risk of pregnancy complications increases.
3. While modern fertility treatments exist, they are not a guaranteed solutions, and in Zambia, access and affordability can be major barriers.
This is not to scare you. It’s to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed choices.
The Myth of “You Can Always Do It Later”
Society often tells women, “Focus on your career now, you can start a family anytime.” The truth is, for those who want children, delaying too long can lead to heartbreak. I’ve sat with patients who have thriving careers, beautiful homes, and financial security, but are battling loneliness or struggling with infertility they never anticipated.
You Can Have Both. But It Takes Planning
Here’s how to protect both your career dreams and your personal desires:
1. Clarify your priorities early. Ask yourself: Do I want children? Marriage? A life partner? If the answer is yes, factor that into your life plan as seriously as you would a promotion or degree.
2. Understand your fertility window. Get a fertility assessment in your late 20s or early 30s. AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) testing can give insight into ovarian reserve. Use this information to guide your timeline.
3. Consider relationship goals alongside career moves. You don’t have to choose one over the other, but you do need to be intentional. If you meet someone compatible, don’t automatically delay commitment because “work is too busy.”
Redefining “Having It All”
Having it all doesn’t mean doing everything at once. It means aligning your life with your values, and making sure your future self will thank you for the decisions you make today. A fulfilling life is not just about titles, salaries, and accolades. It’s also about love, connection, and legacy.
In conclusion
If you don’t want marriage or children, that is your right and your choice, and it is valid. But if you do want them, don’t leave it to chance. Plan for your personal life with the same strategic thinking you apply to your career.
Success is sweetest when you have someone to share it with, whether that’s a partner, children, or a chosen family that fills your heart as much as your achievements fill your résumé. You have heard.