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By Lilian Chudey Pride
In every society, certain groups quietly fade into the background, not because they have nothing to offer, but because the world has unconsciously turned its gaze elsewhere. Among these groups are the involuntary childless women. I call them the nearly forgotten. The ones whose smiles hide unspoken questions. The ones who celebrate others’ joys while silently wondering if anyone sees their own joys or pain.
When a woman reaches a certain age or has married for a number of years, conversations about family, motherhood, and children become inevitable. For many, these are joyful topics; while for others, they are painful reminders. Yet, the world often forgets that behind the bright clothing, church attendance, professional success, or leadership title, is a heart that sometimes aches quietly as often, concerns like, how do you feel? How can I help you? hardly surface.
During festive seasons like Christmas, when children’s laughter fills the air and family portraits dominate our social media feeds, many childless women retreat into themselves. They are not invited to school parties, family photo shoots, or children’s Christmas plays. Some even avoid gatherings where the question, “So when are you giving us good news?” might come up. Not out of bitterness, but out of exhaustion.
Think about it: how often do churches, corporate organizations, or communities design Christmas programmes that include women without children?
How many times do women in this category get invited to parenting seminars, couples’ end-of-year events, or family dinners without being pitied or overlooked?
And how many brands create special campaigns celebrating the strength and resilience of women who nurture others in different, beautiful ways, mentoring nieces, guiding nephews, volunteering, building businesses, or caring for communities?
That’s why I call them the nearly forgotten. Not because they are insignificant, but because society’s lens often forgets to focus on them.
But imagine this Yuletide season turning out differently.
Imagine if every individual takes a moment to reach out to one or two childless women in their circle. A simple phone call. A heartfelt Christmas card. A thoughtful invitation to dinner. A gift basket with a note that says, “You are seen, valued, and loved.”
Some transformational gifts you can give them this season also include: Building Self-Esteem Amidst Involuntary Childless Life – Devotional and Journal; Life Beyond Motherhood – Devotional and Journal; Rise and Rebuild – Devotional and Journal; 7 – Day Shame Detox Devotional and Journal; One Year or six Months Life Beyond Motherhood club membership (a community of like-minded women) where they are free to express themselves without feeling judged. All books by Lilian Chudey Pride and membership community information can be found in our store here. Please visit store.
These gestures may seem small, but to a woman who often feels unseen during festive celebrations, they could mean the world.
And for corporate bodies, what a powerful statement it would make if they included childless women in their holiday Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, not as charity cases, but as vital members of society who also deserve joy, recognition, and belonging. Picture a company sponsoring holiday retreats or supporting initiatives for women navigating infertility or involuntary childless life. Imagine brands using their platforms to spread messages of inclusion and hope. The ripple effect would be transformative, both for those women and for the company’s image as a compassionate, socially-aware brand.
This Christmas, the challenge is simple, yet profound. Look around you, find the nearly forgotten. Extend a hand of warmth. Let this season remind us that motherhood while beautiful and something to cherish, is not the only measure of womanhood.
When we remember the involuntary childless women among us, we restore dignity to hearts that have long endured in silence. We make Christmas not just a season of gifts, but a season of true love, grace and inclusion.
This year, may love find its way to every woman’s doorstep, especially those the world too easily forgets.
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