Putin Offers Medal and $16,645 to Russian Women with 10 Children

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In an unusual initiative aimed at boosting Russia’s declining population, President Vladimir Putin has announced the revival of a Soviet-era award for women who raise 10 or more children. Under this new decree, qualifying mothers will receive a five-pointed star medal and a cash prize of one million rubles, approximately $16,645. This move comes as the country grapples with a stagnant birth rate, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and a governmental push to reinforce “traditional values.”

Criteria for the Award

There are specific criteria for this accolade. Eligible mothers must provide adequate care for their children’s health, education, and moral development, though the assessment process for this requirement remains vague. Additionally, all ten children must be alive at the time of receiving the award, with exceptions made for those lost in military service or due to terrorist acts. Furthermore, the youngest child must be at least one year old to qualify.

Historical Context

The “Mother Heroine” title was originally established by Joseph Stalin during the post-World War II era to address significant population declines and was awarded until the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991. The honor now equates to that of “Heroes of the Russian Federation” and “Heroes of Labor,” recognizing contributions to the state.

Current Challenges

Since 2010, Russia’s workforce has been shrinking, with alarming rates of population decline, particularly following the escalation of military actions in Ukraine. Despite Putin’s efforts to incentivize larger families, the country still struggles with broader issues affecting mothers and families, such as a lack of domestic violence protections, gender inequality in the workforce, and significant wage gaps.

While earning a medal might be a motivating factor, many argue that comprehensive support systems for families should take precedence.

Additional Resources

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Summary

President Putin’s recent decree revives the “Mother Heroine” award for Russian women who have ten children, offering a medal and a cash prize of $16,645. This initiative aims to address the country’s declining population but raises questions about the broader support for families.

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