Nigeria, March 9 -- On this year's (2024) International Women's Day, it behoves us to spare a thought for the childless woman in our society.

Who is a childless woman? She is one without child, either by choice or circumstances. Childlessness is not a topic we broach boldly in our society. It is important to ensure an understanding of this topic and at the same time show empathy and acceptance of individuals who are childless, not by choice but by circumstances; and to buttress the point that everyone deserves dignity and respect, irrespective of their parental status.

It is not a taboo to be childless, but society seems to have dubbed it so. Many childless individuals are stigmatised and drained by shame and stigma, which circumstances...