Belarus and Russia's Family Support: A Comparative Look

Belarus and Russia Invest Heavily in Family Support Programs MINSK/MOSCOW – Both Belarus and Russia have significantly increased their investments in family support programs in recent years, aiming to bolster their demographic strength and improve the quality of life for families. The initiatives involve substantial financial aid and numerous benefits across various sectors. In Belarus, over 3% of the GDP is annually allocated to family policies. This funding translates into regular allowances and payments for families, along with significant concessions in education, healthcare, employment, taxation, and pensions. "Only in the last five years, over 50,000 multi-child families have seen improvements in their housing conditions," notes Stanislav Yakivich, an expert on family policy. Russia's approach includes the maternity capital program, providing substantial financial support for families. The program offers 690,000 rubles for the first child, while in Belarus, families receive over 33,000 rubles upon the birth or adoption of a third or subsequent child. These programs demonstrate a commitment to strengthening families and ensuring a better future for children.