An old man marrying younger women is condoned but the same is shunned in reverse sex. It seems to me that it only happens in a conservative society like ours. In a male chauvinistic society like ours it’s the whims of men that are prioritised to that of women. If an old man can marry a younger woman, the same should be applicable to women. Marrying is a mutual understanding between couples to be partners for life. Whether it’s a man or a woman, the prospect of marriage brings the same excitement. The conservatism of our society expels younger women disregarding her own aspirations to marry an older man but it’s the other way round when it’s an old woman marrying a young woman. We must put an end to this kind of differential treatment between man and woman.

Prakash Khanal

Unless there is some logical reason behind marrying an older partner, no young one wants to have his/her life partner who is too old. But in some rural areas in Nepal, the practice prevails and the reasons are numerous. I have witnessed many such instances when a young boy gets married with an older woman owing to her property and wealth. Likewise a young girl is convinced to get married with an old man for her secure future, irrespective of what opinions she has about the prospect. As long as both have equal consent to such a proposition, it’s ok.

Ratan Ale, Sanepa

If an older woman and a younger man are all set to establish a healthy relationship, we should indeed encourage them. It would be a revolutionary treat to our society too. Such relationship should not be considered as an alien concept. We should try to get rid of that conventional approach in which self-contemplation is a taboo. Marriages are said to be made in heaven. No matter what the age difference is, if there is understanding, respect, true affection and dedication for each other, there is nothing that would stop the relationship from flourishing.

Manisha Timilsina

Careful choice of spouse is crucial for the durability of one’s conjugal life. Generally, a majority of women prefer to marry older men. But, on the contrary younger men looking for an older match is pretty rare. Firstly, physical and mental development of women starts earlier than that of men. Younger men are not mature and sensible enough to assume familial

and conjugal responsibilities. Most importantly, the issue of sex cannot be overlooked – for marriage and sex are inextricably interwoven. Experts claim that a fairly big age gap between spouses often provokes emotional and sex-related misunderstandings. Such turmoil is even more pronounced in conjugal relationships involving older women and younger men because the sexually active lifespan of women is fairly brief as compared to that of men. Furthermore, researches have shown that the offspring from older women may be born with some congenital deformities or feeble intellectual capabilities. To sum up, a woman marrying a man not more than 3-4 years older would be a perfect match. But a big difference of age between spouses from either side is not suitable – as it often culminates in a dead end.

DB Sapkota’Paripsa’, Kantipur City College

Age is not a bar to be in love and it can’t be different when it comes to marriage. But I advocate the notion that marriage has more to do with the actual age difference involved rather than the condition of which sex is older. People with considerable age difference-say of about 10 years-are just as much entitled to marry and lead a happy and prosperous conjugal life as others, but the big question is-can they? The fact that such a difference in age implies a significant difference in ideas, interest, aspirations and levels of maturity cannot be completely ignored. So, I find it perfectly acceptable and rational for younger men to marry older women who are not more than 3 or 4 years older. But a conspicuous age difference results in the breakdown of the relationship in most cases.

Rabindra Banjara, Panauti

There are some acceptable, if not apt reasons for a man to marry a woman much younger than himself. On the other hand, there is not any reason for a woman to marry a much younger man, except only if the woman is in love. Also, beauty and fertility of woman plays a vital role. This is also the reason why a man wouldn’t be tempted to get married with a woman much older than him. Moreover, I believe that there shouldn’t be any big age gap between any two people who are about to tie the knot.

Shertok Lama, Boudha

The system of an older man marrying a much younger woman is being practised in Nepal from time immemorial. In spite of the restriction of government, this act is going on in our country illegally. Though our government is against this practice, it is widely accepted by our blind society. Man has always been considered superior in Nepali society. Men can do whatever they like but women cannot cross the boundary lines of morality and narrow domestic walls. An older man can easily marry a younger woman but an older woman marrying a younger man is prohibited by our society. This is the sign of inequity between men and women, which is a threat to humanity. Our society should also consider women as an inseparable part of the society and give rights and opportunities equally to men and women. It must be acceptable for older women to marry younger men as older men can easily marry younger women. This will maintain social equity between men and women and also discourage men from doing immoral acts.  

Dinesh Bhandari, Kathmandu