I don't have kids, but that doesn't make me less of a woman

For the writer Poorna Bell, 43, motherhood is not an essential part of being a woman. So why do some people find this so hard to understand?

This powerful and thought-provoking article from The Sunday Times really grabbed my attention.

You can read it here

For those who can't access the full article, I’ve summarized it below along with some of my thoughts:

Poorna Bell's article delves into the societal belief that motherhood is a fundamental part of being a woman. Originally, she had no desire for children, drawing harsh criticism from friends who insisted, "Being a woman means being a mother, and you won't understand until you are one."

I've faced similar judgments myself. Though health reasons prevented me from becoming a mum, the sentiment still resonates deeply. Bell shares her journey, explaining how she once expected to have children but decided against it after her husband's death in 2015. This brought her clarity, revealing that her desire for motherhood might have been more about societal expectations than personal longing.

The article challenges the notion that womanhood is incomplete without motherhood, emphasizing that "womanhood comprises many different identities, and parenthood is only one of many." Bell points to declining birth rates and the growing number of women choosing not to have children, underscoring that this trend is not unusual or unnatural.

She critiques the lack of positive representations of child-free women in media, where they are often depicted as either eccentric or embittered. Bell also highlights societal celebrations centered around parenthood, which can make child-free women feel invisible. Yet, she finds solace in supportive relationships with her female friends and child-free role models who inspire her.

This article deeply resonated with me, mirroring many of my own thoughts and emotions. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the diverse experiences and identities of women.

What are your thoughts? Have you faced similar judgments or experiences? Join our community today, share your stories and let's start a conversation.

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