My name is Marianna, and I'm among the many women in the UK who've chosen not to have children. Instead, I've focused on my career, committing my time and effort to work. This means no maternity leave, no days off for childcare – just continuous work.

The current retirement age fails to acknowledge the diverse life choices people make. It assumes everyone has taken breaks for child-rearing, but that's not the reality for all of us.

Studies conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that in the UK, 18% of women are childless at the end of their reproductive lives and 50% of 30-year-old women are childless (2020). 

It's only fair that we should be able to retire earlier than those who took career breaks for parenting. We've put in our hours; we've done our part.

We urge policymakers and legislators to recognise our contributions and adjust the retirement age accordingly for those of us who never stopped working due to child-rearing responsibilities. Let's bring fairness back into the equation! Please sign this petition if you believe in equal recognition for equal work.