Every year on the calendar, one day (10th of August – equivalent to 1st of August) is dedicated to the World Childfree Day (2) to support and understand individuals and couples who have chosen not to have children. This day was first recognized in 1973 by the organization “National Organization for Non-Parents” (3). The goal of this organization, founded a year earlier in 1972 in California, was to promote the right to choose not to have children and break the taboo that couples can decide not to have children. Although in 2013, this day gained recognition again by Laura Carroll, an author (4), couples who openly declare their decision not to have children still face criticism, rejection, and sometimes even violence around the world.

History and Importance of International Women’s Day.

The history and importance of International Children’s Day can bring back the fundamental idea of the role of children in continuing family values; ideas that have been inherent in humans since ancient times. Throughout history, our species has grown and become stronger by sharing our beliefs, knowledge, experiences, and emotions with our children. Despite religions and cultures that emphasize the importance of marriage and having children, family values have become an inseparable part of people’s lives. Unfortunately, by disregarding the right to choose for each individual, society often looks down upon those who choose not to have children.

However, both family structure and social structure have undergone significant changes over time. For example, the human population has reached unprecedented levels, while the cost of living continues to rise.

In a contradictory manner, standards of living, access to medical care, and independence have decreased. In response to these challenges, there has been a trend towards controlling family size and having fewer children. In fact, many developed families now limit themselves to a maximum of three children and some countries have even implemented the policy of “one-child” to address the issue of population growth.

In recent years, the importance of raising responsible children has increasingly been recognized and at the same time, the idea that an individual does not necessarily need to have children has gained attention. Many people have chosen to pursue a carefree and independent life without the lifelong responsibilities associated with starting a family. World Childfree Day serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate this choice and promotes understanding and respect for those who choose a childfree lifestyle, encouraging society to broaden its perspective on what constitutes a fulfilling and meaningful life and to recognize that happiness and contentment can be found in various paths, including those without children.

Why is International Day of the Girl Child important?

The choice of “having” or “not having” a child is a deeply personal decision. It is important for society to respect these personal choices and value them, allowing individuals and couples to make decisions based on their own desires and circumstances. For some couples, not having a child is a responsible decision. They may recognize that without the responsibilities and commitments of raising a healthy child, they can lead a better life and be more productive members of society. Such responsible decisions should be appreciated.

Both accepting couples who choose not to have children and couples who are unable to have children is important in society. World Childless Day serves as a platform to identify and support these individuals and couples, and promotes more inclusive and understanding communities that respect the different choices of each person in life.

In conclusion, World Childfree Day is an occasion to celebrate and appreciate those who have made the decision not to have children. This day aims to increase awareness, challenge societal norms, and promote acceptance of different life choices. It is an opportunity to learn interesting facts about childfree families and understand the importance of choice and acceptance in society. This day can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Translator’s notes:

1- This article is a translation of a section of an article that was published on August 5, 2023 in…

Website.

The New Year’s resolution had been published.

2- The term “Childfree” is different from “Childless”. Childfree refers to those who have chosen not to have children, while Childless is used to describe individuals who are unable to have children.

3- In the early days, it was known as Non-Parents’ Day.

4- Laura Carroll presents the annual “Childfree Person of the Year” award, which was originally divided into categories of “man” and “woman,” but since 2018, these categories have been replaced with “Childfree Person of the Year” (an individual of any gender identity) and “Childfree Group of the Year.” The winners of this award in 2020 were Elizabeth Hintz, an American doctoral student who has dedicated her professional life to understanding and normalizing the experiences of childfree individuals, and the Russian online community “Childfree,” which has helped many people find support and advocacy in a society that values parenthood and traditional gender roles.

5- Of course, in other articles, individuals who choose not to have children cite other reasons such as the issue of increasing population, environmental issues, human rights issues, their own mental state, and other livelihood issues as the main reasons for not choosing to have children.