Women Without Kids by Ruby Warrington

On a rare occasion, I happen across a book that lays bare issues I have struggled with for a long time.

In "Women Without Kids: The Revolutionary Rise of an Unsung Sisterhood," Ruby Warrington explores her decision to be child-free, boldly tackling stereotypes that plague the child-free, explaining how these prejudices originated and why they are misguided. 

Several times while reading this book, I found myself nodding my head in agreement, muttering “no shit” under my breath, and diving into the well-researched source material. 

Here are some of my favourite passages from Women Without Kids:

“But the really odd thing, it began to seem to me, was that all women were expected to revel in the role of mother, despite major discrepancies in our personalities, our ambitions, our material resources, and our mental and emotional well-being. And why was it that my other desires for my life were not seen as equally valid?”

“I believe that our role is to continue to help level the playing field by confidently valorizing the path of non-motherhood, …”

“The question What is woman if not mother? used to draw a blank at best. But I say she is whoever the fuck she wants to be. In some ways, forgoing motherhood in favor of doing literally anything else with your life is the final frontier in women’s fight for equality.”

“... I was able to find a new level of acceptance for the parts of myself that had always felt defective or less-than for being nobody’s mom. I decided to invite them in and ask them why they felt the way they did.”

The chapters titled Found Family and An Other Legacy especially resonated with me. 

I wholeheartedly recommend that you read Women Without Kids. It is enlightening, refreshing, and ultimately validating. 

Thank you, Ms. Warrington.

Alysia Christiaen

Creator of CFW² and a child-free woman.