Readers’ Stories

I am an only child and my mother never hid the fact that had it been for her, I would never have been born. It’s not that she doesn’t love me, she does.… Read the rest

I moved to the UK from Korea over a decade ago for a better life and have now made it my home. I was already in my 30s when I first arrived and the main thing on my mind was to integrate.… Read the rest

A few years into our marriage, when my wife and I could not conceive, we did what most people do and sought medical help. We then learnt that I was the reason why we could not have children.… Read the rest

I met my husband in 2005. We were both in our 30s. I remember discussing children very early on in our relationship. He made it clear that he didn’t want any.… Read the rest

My marriage ended years ago and I chose not to remarry. I do have male friends I meet for meals and drinks every so often, but I don’t see myself getting into another romantic relationship again.… Read the rest

My name is Ibeji, I am from the western part of Nigeria. I am able to put down these words today because my perception has changed about what I once saw as a dead end.… Read the rest

I am a childfree woman from Nigeria, and I can confirm that I am far from being an exception. One of the main reasons why other women like me choose to stay quiet is because of the risk factor.… Read the rest

I have had many relationships. None of them lasted long enough to develop the kind of closeness that leads to marriage and eventually children.… Read the rest

What I have learnt from experience is that, often, people are scared of women like me who know what they want. It’s no secret that whole industries are feeding on women’s insecurities.… Read the rest

I am writing this, sitting peacefully in my back garden, enjoying the view and all the wildlife that have made it their home. About 11 years ago was when my husband and I, after trying for many years to become parents, finally decided it was time to move on.… Read the rest