China will launch pilot projects in more than 20 cities to create a “new-era” marriage and childbearing culture to foster a friendly childbearing environment. The latest move by authorities to boost the country’s falling birth rate.
The state-backed Global Times reported that China’s Family Planning Association a national body that implements the government’s population and fertility measures. It will launch projects to encourage women to marry and have children.
The Times said that promoting marrying, having children at appropriate ages, and encouraging parents to share child-rearing responsibilities. And curbing high “bride prices” and other outdated customs are the focus of the projects.
Cities included in the pilot include the manufacturing hub Guangzhou and Handan in China’s Hebei province. The Times said the association already launched projects in 20 cities, including Beijing, last year.
“Society needs to guide young people more on marriage and childbirth. Demographer He Yafu told the Times.
The projects come amid a flurry of measures Chinese provinces are rolling out to spur people to have children, including tax incentives, housing subsidies, and free or subsidised education for having a third child.
China implemented a rigid one-child policy from 1980 until 2015 – the root of its demographic challenges. It allowed India to become the world’s most populous nation. The limit has since raised to three children.
Many women have put off having more children or any at all due to the expense of child care. And having to stop their careers, with gender discrimination still a key hurdle.