Every year, on March 8, we celebrate the International Women’s Day. This year is special because, in 2020, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption by the United Nations of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on the status of women.
The celebrations provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the very pertinent issue of the progress that we, collectively, have achieved in gender equality and the empowerment of women.
As one of the pioneers in implementing practical gender equality (equal political, economic and social rights of women were guaranteed in its 1918 Constitution and reconfirmed and reiterated ever since), Russia has learnt that true equality of the sexes is only achievable when a consistent policy of economic empowerment and access to productive employment or entrepreneurship is implemented to allow every woman to assert their dignity in society.
But this is impossible without a comprehensive policy of social development for all - access to high-quality universal healthcare, education, professional growth, etc.
It is not by accident that the first woman in space was Russian. Valentina Tereshkova’ flight to the Earth’s orbit in 1964 was a result of a very elaborate system of empowerment of women that was created in my country (then the Soviet Union).
By that time, it became possible for millions of Russian women to realize their potential as workers, technicians, teachers, doctors, engineers, researchers, scientists, musicians, artists, actors, etc., and, of course, wives and mothers.
Today, our policy of gender equality and empowerment of women is based on the pursuit of a harmonious combination of measures to ensure the rights of women and strong support to families and children.
The results of these policies can be gauged by the following statistics. Women in Russia live longer than men (life expectancy is 78.5 years for women and 68.5 for men) and constitute 54 per cent of the population of 146 million people.
Equal access to education has enabled Russian women to achieve a level of education and skills that enables them to claim high-quality jobs and social status.
For instance, women’s share in labour market is 48.6 per cent but there is a clear prevalence of women in the most prestigious and respected professions including 82 per cent in education (teachers, professors), 79per cent in healthcare (doctors, nurses), 72 per cent in civil service, 69 per cent in finance and insurance, 66per cent in culture, sports, entertainment.
Over the last few years, the number of women in executive positions increased by 16 per cent to reach 47 per cent.
33 per cent of businesses in Russia are owned by women, which is one of the best results in the world.
To allow women to successfully combine their professional careers with family and children responsibilities, all women have access to free specialized medical care before and during pregnancy, childbirth and after.
All children have access to free specialized pediatric health care.
Every mother in Russia is entitled to paid maternity leave of up to three years and guaranteed return to work to the previous workplace.
With the birth or adoption of a child, all women are entitled to the “Maternal Capital” (a cash allowance of up to Sh1.02 million) that can be spent uniquely for the additional child-rearing related needs in housing, education, health improvement, etc.
Preschool and school education is universal and free.Of course, there is room for improvement.
Russia’s National Strategy for Women 2017-2022 contains a set of further actions aimed at safeguarding the health of women, promoting their economic advancement, fostering continuous improvement of their income and welfare, preventing social disadvantage and violence against women, enhancing women’s participation in political and social life, and advancing their status in general.
Deliberate efforts are being deployed to ensure better representation of women in public administration and elected bodies. We do not have gender quotas, but the overall policy of women’s empowerment and enhancement of the opportunities to fully realize their potential has already resulted in an increase of their representation in the Government of the Russian Federation.
The third most senior post in Russia (Chairperson of the upper house of the Parliament) is held by a woman.
Two Deputy Prime Ministers are women, seven women hold the positions of head of ministry or federal agency. The Chairperson of the Bank of Russia (Central Bank) is a woman, as is the Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission.
The example of my country is clear proof that Beijing ideals can be achieved if society as a whole is driven by a common spirit of solidarity and mutual support for economic and social development.
In conclusion, on this International Women’s Day, I would like to wish all Kenyan women happiness and the realisation of whatever goals and ambitions they set for themselves.
Dmitry Maksimychev - the Russian Federation ambassador to Kenya.
