‘Single Mother Stigma Targets Only Poor Women’ — Mercy Eke Sparks Debate Over Motherhood and Marriage

Reality TV star Mercy Eke has stirred fresh conversation about societal expectations of women after stating that she would have children outside marriage if the situation arose, insisting that single-mother stigma affects only women without financial stability.

Speaking on a recent podcast, the Big Brother Naija Season 4 winner said she would not deliberately pursue pregnancy out of wedlock but would keep the baby if it happened unexpectedly. She also revealed her desire to have three children — preferably girls.

Eke argued that public judgment is often directed at women who lack economic power, claiming that wealthy or successful single mothers face far less criticism.

“I won’t go the extra miles to get pregnant out of wedlock. But if it just happens, I would leave it and I would have my baby,” she said. “What most people don’t know is that the stigma of being a single mother only applies to women who don’t have things going well for them.”

According to her, accomplished single mothers continue to attract suitors, adding that she could get married “tomorrow” if she wanted, but has yet to meet a man who meets her expectations.

“The women that are shattering glasses, men are begging them for marriage. Even if I have a baby, I would still see a man,” she added.

Her remarks have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many debating whether societal double standards around marriage and motherhood are rooted in class, gender norms, or both.