The Population Foundation of India expresses deep concern regarding the shocking statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported across the media this week, encouraging women to have eight or more children to address the country’s declining birth rates and in the context of dying soldiers in the Ukraine war. This call overlooks the critical importance of women’s autonomy and their right to make informed choices about their bodies and their lives.
The Population Foundation of India emphasizes that policy decisions, which population numbers over women’s autonomy, are a step backward in the efforts towards gender equality. Russia, like many countries, is facing a demographic challenge with its aging population and declining birth rate. What makes this perspective particularly regressive is the attempt at exploitation of women’s bodies for political and military purposes.
Putin’s statements also show no understanding of the maternal health risks associated with childbirth. According to the World Bank’s Gender Data Portal, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the Russian Federation stands at 8 per 100,000 live births as of 2020, which is lower than the global average of 223 per 100,000 live births. While Russia’s MMR is comparatively low, the push for higher birth rates without corresponding enhancements in maternal healthcare could adversely affect this statistic and, more importantly, the health and well-being of Russian women. And the precedent this sets can endanger the health of women globally.
Countries around the world, including India, have demonstrated that empowering women through education, access to healthcare, and participation in the workforce can lead to sustainable solutions to demographic challenges. The UNFPA’s State of World Population Report 2023 highlights the positive correlation between women’s empowerment and demographic stability. In countries with aging, low-fertility populations, gender parity in the workforce has shown to improve productivity and income growth, while in high-fertility countries, empowerment through education and family planning leads to significant economic growth and human capital development.
The International Monetary Fund has also noted the importance of policies that support the balance between women’s careers and family life. Countries with comprehensive public childcare systems and greater involvement of fathers in childcare and domestic duties tend to have higher rates of female employment and fertility. These examples illustrate that supportive policies, rather than directives imposing childbirth, are key to addressing demographic challenges effectively.
“It is crucial to recognize that women are not mere tools for achieving demographic targets or supporting war efforts,” said Poonam Muttreja, the Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India. “They have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. Sustainable solutions to demographic challenges must be grounded in gender equality and respect for women’s autonomy.”
The Population Foundation of India remains committed to advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment, recognizing these as essential for the overall health of global societies. Russia must reconsider its approach and focus on policies that respect women’s rights and support their empowerment. We must prioritise peace and instead of making it women’s responsibility to replenish soldiers dying in futile wars. As Prime Minister Modi remarked this year, “This is not the era of war, but one of dialogue and diplomacy.” This must be an era of ending inequality and national and global policies must be geared towards that goal.
