I always read your magazine and I saw this poll result too. I would like to know how many people were involved in this poll. I too was shocked…as i have got older and still havent had children I have noticed so many situations where women without children are discriminated against. For some women it isnt a choice they have made but that has been made for them (infertility) and I dont think that either way it is fair to assume that they are any less of a person. If women were sacked due to their absence from work for doctors appointments and too many childcare emergencies there would soon be an uproar. I would be very interested in reading an article about how childless couples compared to those with children are treated by society/government. I think it would open a few peoples eyes. Ok, rant over.

Re: poll that 81% of women think that women with no children should not be entitled to a 9 month sabbatical. I am so shocked…..I think sabbaticals should be open to everyone (male and female). There should be equality and fairness for everyone. One women I worked with had 2 children in four years (as long as I had been there) and was off work mostly and said she came to work to rest (and she hardly did anything and expected us to pick up the slack). I know this is the exception. But women (and men) have sick and dying parents, relatives etc. having a sabbatical (after working a certain period)should be for everyone, even if it’s to travel or write a book. If people choose to have children fine, but don’t expect more rights than anyone else. There could be an argument to say women with children perhaps shouldn’t work at all…