Back from maternity leave. Gone within six weeks.

I came back from maternity leave in September. My manager said all the right things. My performance history was strong. My return plan was in place. Six weeks later I was told my role was being eliminated. I asked whether my leave had been a factor in any way. I was told it had not. I asked for the selection criteria. They were confidential. I know the legal framework. I know what they have to say and what they cannot prove I can't prove. I signed the settlement. I couldn't afford not to. I've since spoken to two other women who had the same experience — returning from parental leave, cut within weeks, told the criteria were confidential. We all signed. We all have children. We all needed the money. That's how this stays invisible.