What about women who, for whatever reason, cannot reproduce? Others who have consciously chosen not to? Or, for that matter, those of us who have not been bitten by the 'baby bug' yet? Are we any less of a woman or any less complete than our sisters who are mothers?

For years, like many other young women, I have been asked, 'How come you don't have any children yet? What you waiting on?' At first it was just a slight nuisance but over the years it has become a test of my patience to politely respond. It is as if being childless means I have not yet fulfilled my purpose or that everything else I am passionate about doing should take a back seat to the joys of motherhood.

Being a mother is arguably one of the most fulfilling jobs there is. But there is nothing wrong with not being one. We all have choices and some women choose not to, while others are simply not ready. I abhor the fact that some women subconsciously or otherwise strive to make us feel inadequate. We are no less of a woman and we are no less fulfilled.

Please, leave us to desire motherhood (or not) in our own time. We have enough to deal with fighting stereotypes with some of our men; don't add to that pressure.

- Janice Knight