Think of it, women like us make up half of the total population
So it means half of all that happens comes from our contribution.
We’re aunties, mothers, lovers and sometimes even mistresses
We’re carers, teachers, politicians, friends, daughters and sisters.

We play these roles every single day and we do so much more
Often working unseen and unheard and not for money or applause.
But where women’s voices are not heard and we do not get respect
Is when people ask if we have children and we say that we are childless.

They are usually taken off guard when they hear we don’t have a child
They seem confused, they’re speechless, some can’t hide their surprise.
It’s like not having children makes us not normal, or part of humanity,
But we should not be made to feel different, under-valued or unworthy.

For some a woman’s role is having babies and staying in the home
So childless women may feel excluded, ignored and quite alone.
Being a motheris a big deal, but women who haven’t given birth
Should never lose their status and it should never define their worth.

Fertility, finances, family, health issues or simply ‘poor’ timing
Are just a few things stopping some women from becoming
Mothers … if they could or perhaps if that’s what they wanted
But don’t judge as we don’t know a person’s true circumstances.

There are complex reasons why a woman may not have a child
It may or not be our choice but it is our experience and our life.
We bring many great things into the world on our earthly journey,
We’re sensuous, smart and soulful; we’re women and WE ARE WORTHY.

Haneefah Muhammad