President of Tanzania John Magufuli urged the women of his country to bear more children to boost the economy, saying, “Set your ovaries free” in a press conference last week.
Citing the high population of China, Magufuli said, “When you have a big population, you build the economy. That’s why China’s economy is so huge.” He further noted Niger and India as examples of large populations and a thriving economy.
Some critics of Magufuli disagreed with the president’s reasoning and felt that an increased birth rate in Tanzania would perpetuate inequality and social divisions.
Magufuli said of the criticisms, “I know that those who like to block ovaries will complain about my remarks. Set your ovaries free, let them block theirs.”
Tanzania has grown in population in the past decade, averaging 6-7% per year. It also currently has one of the highest global birthrates of nearly five children per woman.
