Mongolia- Honoring “Ideal” mothers who gave birth to three boys

The family center in Erdenet city has honored mothers who delivered three boys as “Ideal Mothers” which, according to Mongolian traditions, makes them equal to men in the family. The center has also honored mothers who gave birth to three girls, granting them a title of “Delicate Mothers” following criticisms the center received by mothers who delivered girls, for this tradition as being a gender-biased that undermines women as they are not equal to men unless they bring boys. The tradition of awarding medals to women who give birth to boys goes back to the time of Genghis Khan when his wife gave birth to four children, but the true history of the tradition is still questionable.

A24