Is Women's Identity Limited To Motherhood? We Question Global Leaders

Women's autonomy and their freedom to choose their own path in life are fundamental rights that should not be trivialized. Unfortunately, world leaders have often attempted to reduce a woman's identity to a singular role—motherhood. Senator Lavinia Mennuni, the voice of the right-wing party led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has reignited a fervent debate on women's autonomy. Her bold declaration that young women's "first aspiration" should be motherhood thrusts the traditional family model to the forefront of political discourse. This incident is not an isolated one; throughout history, world leaders have often reduced a woman's identity to a singular role—motherhood. Amid a recent and emotionally charged event in Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed deep concern over the country's declining birth rates. Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin has fervently urged women in his nation to embrace large families as the new norm. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is the latest leader to join the bandwagon of politicians advising women to "produce more children." 

These fervent pleas beg a critical question: Why do leaders champion increased childbirth over addressing the root causes of declining populations? The corridors of power reverberate with decisions dictating women's aspirations and reinforcing archaic notions, all in the guise of salvaging traditions and countering demographic challenges.

The Mandate of Motherhood

Senator Lavinia Mennuni's recent proclamation that young women's "first aspiration" should be motherhood raises critical questions about the extent to which leaders feel entitled to prescribe life paths for half of the population. Mennuni, aligned with the right-wing party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is part of a broader movement aimed at combating declining birth rates and preserving what they perceive as traditional family values.

"My mother always used to tell me ... you must always remember that you have the opportunity to do whatever you want, but you must never forget that your first aspiration must be to be a mother yourself."

Why, in this age of progress and enlightenment, are leaders still grappling with the notion that women are capable of determining their own aspirations? The paternalistic approach, evident in Mennuni's statement, assumes a prescriptive role that not only disregards individual agency but also perpetuates the age-old notion that a woman's worth is tethered to her role as a mother.

Demographic Crisis in Italy

Italy once celebrated for its robust family traditions, now grapples with a crisis of unprecedented proportions—a plummeting birth rate that threatens the fabric of its society. In 2022, the number of births dipped below 400,000, marking an average of merely 1.25 babies per woman. This startling revelation signals a negative replacement rate, with deaths surpassing births at a ratio of 12 to 7.

The economic instability gripping Italy since the 2008 financial crisis serves as the main catalyst for this demographic downturn. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has further eroded the nation's savings culture, dropping from 20% to a mere 5% of annual income by January 2023. With a pay-as-you-go pension system, the shrinking workforce poses a substantial challenge. By 2030, an alarming 2 million workers are anticipated to retire with no new entrants to replenish the workforce.

The Italian government, under both Mario Draghi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has initiated measures to boost birth rates. Monthly payments of up to €175 per child were introduced in May 2021, coupled with a $25.4 million injection into the economy to support childcare and employment. However, these efforts pale in comparison to measures taken by countries like Germany and France, raising questions about their efficacy.

Moreover, the unique influence of the Catholic Church and the conservative stance of the Meloni government further complicate the issue. Despite shared concerns over declining birth rates, these entities obstruct certain solutions, emphasising traditional family values while resisting assisted reproduction and birthright for immigrants.

For the youth of childbearing age, the hurdles are multifaceted. Economic independence, stable employment, and housing affordability stand as prerequisites for starting a family. Government incentives, while attempting to alleviate some financial burdens, are criticized as temporary and insufficient

The Urgent Need to Boost Birth Rates

On the East Asian front, Kim Jong Un emphasized the critical importance of preventing a further decline in birth rates, highlighting that addressing this issue is a collective responsibility.

During the National Mothers Meeting in Pyongyang, he stated, "Preventing a decline in birth rates and ensuring good childcare are all of our housekeeping duties we need to handle while working with mothers."

However, beyond the emotional appeal, the pressing question arises: Why push for more babies without addressing the root causes of the declining population and the hardships faced by North Korean women?

Recognizing Mothers' Contribution

Kim Jong Un took the opportunity to express gratitude to mothers for their pivotal role in strengthening national power. He acknowledged the challenges they face, stating, "I too always think about mothers when I have a hard time dealing with the party and the state's work."

The Current Fertility Landscape in North Korea

As of 2023, North Korea faces a fertility rate of 1.8, according to estimates by the United Nations Population Fund. This figure represents the average number of children born to a woman and reflects a sustained decrease over recent decades. While this figure is higher than some neighbouring countries, it reflects a sustained decrease over recent decades. The challenges, however, extend beyond a mere statistical decline. 

Comparative Analysis with Neighboring Countries

South Korea and Japan, North Korea's neighbours, have also grappled with a downward trend in birth rates. South Korea reported a record-low fertility rate of 0.78 last year, while Japan's figure dropped to 1.26. These numbers show a broader regional challenge that extends beyond North Korea.

Historical Challenges and Women's Struggles

North Korea, with a population of approximately 25 million, has faced serious food shortages, including a deadly famine in the 1990s. However, beyond these challenges, the plight of North Korean women remains a pressing concern. Despite increased representation in leadership, millions of ordinary women continue to face an unequal and demanding system.

Kim Sung-kyung, an associate professor at the University of North Korean Studies, told Nikkei Asia about the persisting patriarchal nature of North Korean society, where women often have more obligations than rights. A 2022 Human Rights Watch report echoes these concerns, pointing to pervasive human rights abuses against women, including sexual and gender-based violence.

While women play a central role in North Korea's economy, engaged in various activities from unofficial market work to government-assigned jobs, their hardships persist. The 1990s famine saw women taking the initiative to support their families through trading goods. However, despite their integral role, women remain underrepresented in state institutions.

Putin's Plea for Large Families

On the other side of the globe, Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing a declining birth rate since the 1990s, urged Russian women to have eight or more children, aiming to make large families the norm. The call made at the World Russian People's Council ties into broader concerns, including casualties in the Ukraine War, workforce shortages, and an economic slowdown. The strain on families becomes evident. The Ukraine War has further strained the population, with casualties surpassing 300,000, creating a severe workforce shortage and economic slowdown due to Western sanctions.

The Movement of Russian Women: Demanding the Return of Loved Ones

The call for more children in Russia coincides with a growing movement of Russian women demanding the return of husbands, sons, and brothers mobilized for the Ukraine War. The emotional toll on families and the lack of satisfactory responses from the government are sparking a shift in perspectives, challenging the Kremlin's handling of the conflict. While initially supportive of the "special military operation," these women now question the prolonged absence of their loved ones. The lack of response from the Russian defence ministry and the changing perceptions of these women highlight the complexities of sustaining a war effort.

The movement of Russian women sheds light on the complexity and innate inequality of prolonged wartime mobilization. As women like Maria Andreeva, who exposed her misery to Reuters and whose husband has been away for over a year, demand the demobilisation of their loved ones, the complexities of balancing war efforts and maintaining societal unity come to the forefront.

While world leaders advocate for increased childbirth to address population decline, the underlying issues faced by women in Italy, North Korea, and Russia remain unaddressed. The silent struggles, unequal societal structures, and the toll of prolonged conflicts on families raise important questions about the true cost of boosting birth rates. As the world focuses on the numbers, it's crucial not to overlook the untold stories of strength, sacrifice, and silent resistance by women in these nations.