In an unexpected turn of events, the notorious leader of North Korea, famous for his belligerent missile tests and threats towards the West, found himself shedding tears during a Women's Congress in Pyongyang. The trigger for his emotional outburst? A pressing issue confronting his secluded nation: a low birth rate.
The man who often dons the role of a threat to the Western world, Kim Jong Un, acknowledged the necessity for measures to counteract this predicament in his country. He urged cooperation between the government and mothers to avert the dwindle and ensure exceptional childcare. In his heartfelt address, he even appealed to the male populace, asserting, "This is everyone's household chore."
The predominantly female audience, adorned in traditional garments, was moved to tears as well, nodding with handkerchiefs at the ready. Their response was a frenzied ovation of their leader's performance.
While Kim failed to disclose exact figures, international organizations predicted that North Korea's fertility rate would be 1.8 in 2023, based on an estimated population of around 26 million. This rate falls below the replacement level necessary for a country's population not to shrink without immigration. Germany has already surpassed this threshold, with the figure dipping below 1.46 in 2022.
North Korea's low birth rate sparks concerns beyond its borders given its persistent food shortages and a national mothers' meeting held back in 2012. The launch of a spy satellite further intensified tensions with neighboring South Korea and the USA, resulting in additional sanctions.
Observing Global Patterns:
Across various nations - including those like North Korea - underlying causes for dwindling birth rates include evolving social norms, economic factors, gendered roles, and restricted access to healthcare and education. Addressing these broader societal and economic challenges through enlightened policies that enhance global access to education, healthcare, and robust economic prospects could potentially mitigate low birth rates. However, effectively tackling these challenges in North Korea would necessitate a strategic, all-encompassing approach, given the unique environment prevalent within the country.
Concerning North Korea's proven success in military advancements, showcased through record-breaking weapons tests and the deployment of a spy satellite, leader Kim Jong Un grapples with another significant challenge within his own boundaries - the disturbingly low birth rate. Demonstrating uncommon vulnerability, he publicly addressed this issue, advocating for united action and establishing a supportive ambiance for childcare.
