Join CSEEES for our Graduate Student Lecture. Our autumn 2024 lecture entitled "Being a Woman* in Russia: State vs Feminists" will be given by Michelle Verbitskaya (Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures).
A light lunch will be provided to attendees, please register for this talk using the link below. Registration will close on Wednesday, November 6.
Abstract: The lecture focuses on the rising tension between the Russian state and feminist movement, exploring the historical, social, and political landscapes that shape gender dynamics in the Russian society. The first part of the lecture provides an overview of the evolving roles of women from Imperial Russia to the present, highlighting the major challenges they have faced across different eras—ranging from occupational segregation and the burdens of “the second shift” to contemporary issues like the decriminalization of domestic violence and reproductive injustice. These historical trends are examined alongside the development of women’s movements in Russia, illustrating how feminist responses have evolved in reaction to these ongoing struggles.
In the second half, the lecture shifts to the strategies of the Russian feminist movement since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with a particular focus on linguistic activism, online communities, and political dissent. By analyzing the intersection of political, linguistic, and multicultural contexts, I critique the uncritical adoption of Western feminist ideologies in Russia by activists, advocating instead for activism that is rooted in local realities and cultural nuances. This section outlines diverse avenues for feminist activism that align with the current socio-political climate and address the linguistic constraints unique to the Russian language. Following the presentation, the audience will be invited to discuss gender issues in Russia, such as the persecution of activists, and broader issues related to gender and feminism.
