Gender Equality and Fertility Convergence in Muslim Majority Countries

Fertility in Muslim Majority Countries has declined dramatically over the past few decades. Today, a significant number of these Countries experiencing below-replacement level fertility. This paper aims to explain the convergence of 47 Muslim Majority Countries (MMCs) with the levels and trends of fertility in developed countries. Data are taken from the United Nations Population Division and the United Nations Human Development Report. Results showed that the fertility transition in MMCs, which dates back to the 1970s, has accelerated since the mid-1990s. By the mid of the third millennium, more than 76 percent of the MMCs will be in controlled fertility situation. Although the experience of fertility convergence, its intensity and timing vary from country to another one, cross-sectional analysis has shown that fertility convergence has been accompanied by an increase in gender equality and the use of contraceptive methods in MMCs. Consequently, any policy aimed at increasing fertility and preventing the continuation of below-replacement level fertility in MMCs should be taken into account with regard to the status of women in the community and the family. Adopting policies that are consistent with women aspirations will increase the likelihood of the success of Muslim governments to increase fertility.