Russian journalists learned about gender issues and discussed coverage of these pressing problems as part of the UN in Russia’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) workshops for regional media.

The third in a series of UN workshops for regional journalists dedicated to the MDGs, the Gender Issues in Modern Russia workshop in Saratov in mid-July was attended by media representatives from Central Russia, the Volga and the Urals regions.  

UN specialists, such Galina Kalinaeva who spoke on behalf of UNDP and UNIFEM about Russia’s international commitments in the area of empowerment of women, and Elena Mezentseva, Associate Professor at the Higher School of Economics and one of the authors of the last year’s UNDP National Human Development Report on Russia’s progress towards MDG implementation. 

Participants identified and discussed gender problems in specific regions and in the country in general. Despite possessing a higher average level of education, women in Russia earn less then men; women are underrepresented in legislative bodies and are not represented in the government at all; they face discrimination in employment related matters, including promotion. Another grave gender issue facing the country is the decreasing life expectancy among men. 

Other topics discussed included gender stereotypes, gender consequences of alcohol abuse and migration in Russia and gender aspects of violence in family and society.

At previous workshops in Moscow and Barnaul journalists discussed the relevance of the Millennium Development Goals generally for Russia and the importance of goal six, combating HIV and AIDS, for the country.

For further information, please contact:

Victoria Zotikova
Communications Officer
UNDP Russia
Tel.: +7 095 787 21 15
victoria.zotikova@undp.org

Published date:01 August 2006