Women are expected to be physically mature and have some education before marriage. Men are equally expected to be mature but in addition should be educated or trained in a skill to enable them meet their financial and other obligations to their wives and children. Heterosexual marriage is the norm. Although monogamous marriages predominate, polygymy still persists. It is perceived that a man demonstrates his manhood by getting married, impregnating his wife, and raising children, exercising authority over his wife and children as well as meeting their needs.
Procreation is seen as the most important role of a woman in marriage.
Consequently being a wife and a mother are seen as distinguishing marks of womanhood. A man shows that he loves the wife by providing for her needs as well as that of their children. A woman shows that she loves her husband by respecting him, meeting his sexual needs and taking care of domestic chores. Pre-marital chastity is desired for unmarried persons. While sanctions exist for girls who indulge in pre-marital sex, the practise is tolerated for boys and no serious sanction is imposed on them.