This week is World Childless Week. Founded by Stephanie Phillips, this online event raises awareness and supports the childless not by choice community. 

Stephanie says, “Childless men and women from around the world are starting to find their inner voice to speak out, and reach out, to those who hide their childlessness for fear of shame and judgement. Childlessness is an unrecognized, but large and growing, minority that the world can no longer shy away from. When women in their seventies tell me they are grateful to find a supportive community for the first time in their life it reinforces the need to create more awareness that help is available from those who understand”. 

I couldn’t agree more. It may feel sometimes like we are still living in the shadows, that we are misunderstood, and misjudged, but people like Stephanie are changing that. And the more we talk about this topic, the more we get involved in these events, the sooner that will change.

This year World Childless Week will take place from 16-22nd September. Each day explores a different element of being childless: our stories, letters about forgiveness, using art to release emotions, men matter too, how we have empathy, finding our worth in society and how to move forwards. 

You can find out more information and join the week’s events at worldchildlessweek.net