In a tearful and impassioned address at the Fifth National Conference of Mothers in Pyongyang, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged women to play a pivotal role in combating the decline in birth rates and nurturing a generation of “socialist and communist” children.
“Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good childcare and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” remarked Kim Jong Un, visibly moved, as he addressed the gathered audience.
During the conference, Kim Jong Un emphasised the importance of housekeeping duties, calling upon North Korean women to embrace their responsibilities in strengthening the nation by bearing more children.
“All mothers should fulfil their responsibility and duty assumed before society and families with confidence in and optimism about the prospects of our socialist construction and a changed ideal society to come in the near future,” asserted Kim Jong Un.
Highlighting the role of mothers in shaping a future society aligned with socialist values, the Supreme Leader emphasised their duty in raising children to become pillars of socialist and communist principles.
North Korea has been witnessing a decline in its fertility rate, standing at an estimated 1.8 children per woman, according to the United Nations Population Fund. This trend is concerning for a nation that seeks to boost its population.
Comparatively, neighboring South Korea and Japan face even lower fertility rates, compelling their governments to introduce incentive programs to encourage family growth.
Experts note that despite North Korea’s economic challenges, demographic changes in the country echo trends seen in more affluent nations. The rising cost of raising children and providing for their education and future livelihoods contributes significantly to families’ decisions to limit the number of children.
Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG, underlined the financial burden faced by North Korean families, explaining that the expense associated with raising children, educating them, and securing their future employment prospects leads many families to limit their family size.
Kim Jong Un’s emotional plea and advocacy for increased birth rates and nurturing a generation aligned with communist ideals underscore the regime’s push to address the demographic challenge while sustaining its socialist values.
