Perestroika - Women's Activism in Russia During Perestroika

Women's Activism in Russia During Perestroika

Women were well armed with knowledge and abilities: there were women with the alphabet teaching the younger children how to read and write, there were women constructing both industrial plants and factories in their thirties, and of course, there were women defending the Soviet Motherland all across the front and rear of the country during the occurrence of Perestroika. Women’s activism played a key part in the success of stabilizing the speed at which Perestroika took its toll on the country. Previously named positions were only few of their active roles of contribution.

To women, their equality was granted as early as 1918. In the later years, organizations focused on the implementation of women into public life. They were allowed to teach, work and even arrange boarding schools and orphan homes for abandoned children. But unfortunately, at the turn of the century, these deemed necessary and fair integrations were never acted upon and never re-established. In the following years, the Soviet Women’s Committee was established and had successfully broadened their network across the country. This committee brought their focus upon the assistance of employment and gain in professionalism with the community of women and battle against fascism in the Soviet Union. During the first years of perestroika, the women’s councils were granted independence and cast varying levels of political significance. Unfortunately, not all of the women’s councils survived the post – perestroika years, but others managed to pull thought, independently leading themselves forward – which signifies the success of the council.

During the time of perestroika, women were given the ability to voice the concerns and difficulties of what they are currently facing with gender inequality. The activism of women may be broken down into two general sections: one of which were during perestroika (1985 – 1891) and the other being post – perestroika: 1991-1993. During the first section of activism, the number or councils expanded in numbers so quickly, that by the end of the event, there were a total of 300 registers women’s organizations in Russia. Till this day, five of these organizations have international status, two of them have a national status and as many as fourteen have a republican status.

All of these organizations around the country focused on very similar functions, but emphasized on the general equalization of rights between women and men. Throughout these different councils, a vast amount of activities were established to enhance the amount and types of information a woman can learn in the Soviet Union. For example, the activities ranged from economic focus like providing services, running small businesses and training to more general employment jobs that may be sustained: like political lobbying and raising women’s advocacy. It is important to note that some female political leaders like Larisa Bogoraz, Valeria Novodvorskaya and Elena Bonner all established their power with the assistance of these organizations.