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

©12.08.2022