Putin brings back Soviet-era ‘Mother Heroine’ award

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree reviving the “Mother Heroine” award, an honorary title first established under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in 1944.

The order will be bestowed upon Russian mothers who give birth to and raise 10 or more children who hold Russian citizenship. According to the decree, qualifying mothers will receive the award once their tenth living child turns one year old. Women awarded the “Mother Heroine” title will also be given a one-time payment of 1 million rubles ($16,000). 

The “Mother Heroine” title is to be included on Russia’s list of highest-ranking state orders, such as the “Hero of Russia” and “Hero of Labor.” 

Vladimir Putin spoke in favor of reviving the “Mother Heroine” award on June 1, Russia’s Children’s Day holiday, and suggested the addition of a one-time payment of 1 million rubles for qualifying mothers. 

During the Soviet era, the “Mother Heroine” title was also awarded to women who bore and raise 10 or more children. More than 400,000 Soviet citizens received this honorary title. It stopped being awarded after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.