Women's rights: how authoritarian regimes use women’s bodies for power

Birth rates are falling worldwide, with developed countries such as Switzerland seeing the lowest number of babies born in decades. Policymakers worry about implications for the future, but their handling of the issue varies widely. Authoritarian regimes are using it to restrict women’s rights and maintain control. “The purpose of a woman lies in her absolutely unique natural gift – the continuation of the family line,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin while speaking to students earlier this year. He emphasised the importance of families raising at least three children, stating that higher education and career planning get in the way of starting a family, which should happen earlier rather than later. Legislative crackdown: Russia bans 'childfree ideology' In November, the Russian State Duma, the lower house of parliament, adopted a ban on the “promotion of the childfree ideology”, which would impose fines ranging from 50,000 roubles to five million roubles (CHF445 to ...