Abstract

Childlessness remains a deeply stigmatized condition in many African societies where fertility is culturally central to womanhood. In southeastern Nigeria and Ebonyi State, childless women often face systematic cultural cruelty, including derogatory labeling, exclusion from community rituals, and marital insecurity. This study explored the lived experiences of childless women in Ebonyi State and examined how cultural practices shape their psychological well-being. Adopting a qualitative phenomenological design, 21 women aged 25–52 were purposively recruited from rural and urban communities. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted in English and Igbo and analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach. Findings four emergent and co-constructed themes: (a) stigma and social exclusion, highlighting derogatory cultural constructions of childlessness; (b) emotional and psychological suffering, including anxiety, depression, and diminished self-worth; (c) coping through faith and resilience, where women relied on spirituality and family support; and (d) aspirations for cultural change, reflecting calls for community sensitization and policy interventions. The study illustrates that cultural cruelty operates as a structural determinant of women’s psychological health, with significant implications for gender equity and mental health services. It advocates for culturally sensitive counseling, community education, and supportive health policies that protect the dignity and rights of childless women.

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