Ms

[Sash63]

Should we fight for maintenance or just be proud that we do what we can for our kids without financial help from the father?

You should make sure the father contributes towards his own kids. It has nothing to do with your independence.

Of course men should support their children. It's not a reflection on the woman. They should take equal responsibility for child rearing. Until this is accepted, women will never have equality and the patriarchy will persist.