The expert seminar "Strategic directions for the family policy development" was held on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the International Day of Families at the site of the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research.
"The issue of family policy is an interdisciplinary area of interest, therefore, knowing the opinions of key actors - citizens, representatives of the public and government agencies, is very important," the BISR stated.
Experts noted that the effectiveness of economic instruments to encourage childbirth is decreasing. Motherhood and fatherhood are not always present in the list of family values. "The reasons are seen in the increased impact of external factors (the Internet, new means of communication), the loss of prestige of a large family, individualism and atomization of society. There are elements of a mismatch between the demands of society and the state. On the one hand, the State is taking measures to increase the childbirth. On the other hand, the family is not ready to give up the usual income level, and therefore strives to maximize the future of children and is not always focused on having many children. The main risk is the violation of the intergenerational transmission of values and traditions," the BISR said.
According to analysts, socio-psychological and spiritual and moral support for motherhood comes to the fore. In the information, educational and ideological policy of the Belarusian state, strategic directions should be the formation of the prestige of a large family, the elimination of negative stereotypes regarding early marriages and pregnancies. It is also necessary to study and implement the best practices of childbirth motivation that exist in countries with high demographic indicators.
It is also important to develop infrastructure and services aimed at family vacation, development, education and recreation of children, to ensure interdepartmental cooperation on encouraging childbirth and relevant work with young people. The support of families at the local government level should be more significant.
"The expert seminar held is only part of the painstaking work required to develop key priorities and strategic directions of family policy. The Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research is open to cooperation with experts on family policy issues and will continue studies in this direction," the BISR added.
The seminar was attended by representatives of the deputy corps, the executive power, the Belarusian Republican Youth Union , the Belarusian Women's Union, and the scientific community.
