Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged women to balance work and motherhood, encouraging them to have multiple children amid the country’s declining birth rate. Speaking at the fourth annual Eurasian Women’s Forum, Putin emphasized Russia’s traditional respect for women and their crucial role in society.

Russia’s Traditional Respect for Women

“Russia is traditionally respectful of women. In this regard, our state policy relies on the National Strategy of Action in the Interests of Women,” Putin said. He highlighted several initiatives aimed at creating favorable conditions for women to succeed professionally while being primary caregivers for their families.

Women’s Role in Society

Putin believes women can excel in both professional careers and motherhood, citing their unique qualities as “beautiful, caring, and charming”. He wishes women “success for the benefit of peace, creation, and progress.”

Declining Birth Rate

Russia’s birth rate has been declining since the 1990s, with the nation recording its lowest birth rate in 25 years in the first six months of this year ². Rising deaths and emigration due to war are exacerbating the issue.

Statistics

– Lowest birth rate in 25 years recorded in the first six months of 2024
– Number of children per woman in Russia: 1.5
– Birth rate required to sustain population: 2.1
– Projected population decline by 2046: 15.4 million

Government Initiatives

To address the declining birth rate, Putin has:

– Encouraged families to have at least two children to survive as an ethnic group, and three to grow the population
– Introduced financial compensation for women who give birth while being full-time students
– Supported Russian Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov’s call for citizens to “engage in procreation on breaks” during work
– Endorsed Russian MP Tatyana Butskaya’s suggestion for employers to monitor female staff members’ birth rates

Projection

If the declining birth rate trend continues, Russia’s population is projected to fall by 15.4 million by 2046.