Russian Women - Research Paper Example

These conditions have heavily contributed to the decline of the family and birthrate in Russia. Similarly, social organizations and feminist groups have begun enhancing women’s rights cause in a still traditional community (Smith 137). In the early periods, many Soviet women did not experience the same privileges as men within the family or society. The average income for the female population in every field was less than the nationwide average. A huge chunk of women in different fields, for example, economics, health care, education, and medicine did not occupy the high positions in any of those areas.

It is clear that women are not adequately represented in the top organs of the Community Party of the Soviet Union. In the 80s, men made up more than 70 percent of party membership and more than 95 percent of the Central Committee (Wade 56). In addition, no member of the female population attained complete membership in the Politburo. In the 90s, Russian women were many in economic areas where pay was minimal, and they continued to get less payment than their male counterparts working in similar positions.

During this period, men working in the health care sector earned about 50 percent more than females working in the same field. Also, in the engineering sector, male workers got 40 percent more pay than the women workers. This was without regard that women workers were more educated than the male workers. Studies conducted in Russia indicate that female workers face discrimination at the work place, and are also the first to be sacked (Engel 48). Other studies indicate that struggling businesses frequently sack female workers to evade permitting maternity leave or paying child care benefits.

In 1995, Russian women made up almost 70 percent of the unemployed population. Sociological studies have also shown that violence and sexual harassment against the female population have risen at all levels of the Russian society. In 1994, not less than 13,000 cases of rape were reported. This means that there were other probable crimes against women that were not reported. Female workers in Russia continue bearing the double weight of raising a family and doing a job. In contrast, Russian men or husbands make little contributions in this regard.

In a study conducted in 1994, almost two-thirds of the female population proposed that the government should assist families by paying sufficient amounts of money to a sole spouse to allow the other spouse to reside at home. A number of Russian women also perceive their responsibility in the household more tough than that of their spouses (Smith 72). Such discontent is a feature in Russia’s decreasing marriage rate and rising divorce rate. A lot of women with households are compelled to seek employment because of inefficient unemployment benefits and state child grants.

Economic difficulties in the 90s made a number of women turn to prostitution. In addition, during this time, organized criminal activities became hugely comprised in prostitution, both to cities of Western and Central Europe and Russia, to which Russian females are frequently enticed by fake deals for modeling agencies or matchmaking services. There are also several organizations in Russia that attempt to address the plight of women (Engel 95). For instance, the Centre for Gender Studies assesses social and demographic issues that women in Russia encounter.

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