Chinese President Xi Jinping said women have a critical role and must establish a “new trend of family,” as the nation grapples with an aging population and record decline in the birth rate as a result of high cost of childcare, career challenges, and a reluctance to marry among many young Chinese women.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the crucial role of women in addressing the challenges of an aging population and a significant decline in the birth rate. In statements published by the state news agency Xinhua, Xi discussed the significance of women’s contributions.
He emphasized that the importance of women’s efforts extends beyond their personal development and plays a pivotal role in achieving “family harmony, social stability, national progress, and development.” He also stressed the need to actively promote a new culture surrounding marriage and child-rearing while providing guidance to young people regarding their attitudes towards marriage, parenthood, and family life.
Various factors, such as the high cost of childcare, career challenges, gender bias, and a reluctance to marry, have discouraged many young Chinese women from having children. This situation is closely linked to marriage rates due to official policies that make it difficult for unmarried women to have children.
Incentives
In January, China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported the first population decline in six decades, and the nation’s population is rapidly aging. Over the past two years, authorities throughout China have introduced measures to boost the birth rate, including financial incentives and the expansion of childcare facilities. State media frequently associates population development with the strength and rejuvenation of the country.
Few months ago Xi Jinping, has given soldiers and their spouses a new order — lead the charge in childbearing.
On Sept. 7, China’s communist leaders announced a new executive order on family planning and the military. Highlighting the urgency, the order went into effect Sept. 10.
Full details of the 33-item plan are yet to be publicized, but state media say the policy will “standardize adjustments in [planned] births, incentives, related services,” and form “a complete chain” from childbirth to child care, “with full technical support.”
Posts on the official accounts of China’s military forces say the measures include an annual five-day vacation for new parents and the possibility for the newly enlisted to visit their families during the first two years of service.
Sources: NBCNews, Guardian