August 5, 2024
THIMPHU – Bhutan’s fertility rate, standing at 2.0 births per woman, down from 6.6 in 1971, shows a demographic shift that can have profound implications. The rate, below the replacement level of 2.1, raises concerns about the future stability of our population. While a recent uptick to around 1.2 births per woman offers asome hope, it is far too low to counterbalance decades of decline. Immediate and strategic interventions are necessary to mitigate the impacts and to ensure a sustainable demographic future.
One of the most effective ways to encourage higher birth rates, perhaps, is through robust economic incentives for families. Financial supports, such as direct subsidies, tax breaks, and childcare allowances, can alleviate the burdens associated with raising children. We are talking about all these measures, alright. However, there is a need to make a sensible choice.
Look for countries such as France and Sweden that have successfully implemented generous family benefits that have resulted in higher fertility rates. Can we adopt these models? If not, how differently can we do it so that we are able to address the demographic shift that is changing so alarmingly, so fast.
Looking closely at the issue, accessible and affordable childcare seems to be crucial, which enables parents, especially women, to balance work and family life. High-quality childcare services allow parents to pursue careers without sacrificing their aspirations for larger families. Government investment in a nationwide network of affordable childcare centres would support working parents. This will, in the long run, create jobs and contribute to economic growth significantly.
More important, perhaps, work-life balance policies are essential in making it easier for families to grow. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and extended parental leave can help parents manage their professional and personal responsibilities. Research and studies recommend encouraging employers to adopt family-friendly policies and ensuring legal protections for parental leave can foster a supportive environment for families.
Also, significantly, investing in women’s health and empowerment is fundamental to addressing fertility issues. Ensuring access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including family planning and fertility treatments, can support women in making informed choices about childbearing. Empowering women through education and economic opportunities can lead to better family planning and higher fertility rates.
There are those who argue that immigration is the solution. Not in our case. Repercussions could be far-reaching. The real solution lies perhaps in incentives and creation of a welcoming environment for young couples to raise families.
The declining fertility rate demands immediate interventions. The State must provide economic incentives, improve access to childcare, promote work-life balance, launch educational campaigns, and support women’s health and empowerment.
We can do a lot more, of course. We need to be more adaptive and responsive.
A low fertility rate leads to population aging, causing labour shortages, economic strain, and unsustainable healthcare and pension costs. As a small and forward-looking nation, we can ill afford to be unresponsive. Falling fertility rate needs sensible policy urgently.