What is the role of women in modern society? Discussed at a conference in Vitebsk
As noted by Lyudmila Sleptsova, Rector of the Vitebsk Regional Institute for the Development of Education and Deputy Chairperson of the regional organization of the public association "Belarusian Women's Union", the percentage of women in various government structures has significantly increased, they participate in state decision-making, run their own businesses, and have become more financially independent.
Today, women constitute almost 50% of the total employed in the economy, although only about 10% hold leadership positions.
However, it is not easy for women today to perform a dual role – being the keeper of the family hearth on the one hand, and a professional building a career on the other.
In Belarus, a woman spends an average of up to six hours a week on child-rearing, while a man spends less than an hour.
In this regard, the problem of redistributing functions between mother and father in household management and relationships with children has arisen. This dilemma could be resolved by schools for mothers and fathers separately, as well as joint parent schools. In addition, women's leadership schools would be a good support for maintaining and developing business activity.
The story of female heroism is not just a reference to the past, but a lesson for future generations, showing how one can serve the Motherland.
As an example, Lyudmila Sleptsova cited Vera Kulagina, who was actively involved in public life during the Great Patriotic War, was an underground fighter and a partisan. In peacetime, she also defended the interests of her native land and initiated the women's movement in Vitebsk. Today, her work is continued by the regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union, headed by Galina Zhelanova.
Additionally, the conference participants spoke about mothers who raised sons and daughters who brought glory to the Fatherland. What did these women have to go through, and how did they manage to be role models for many compatriots, to be devoted wives?
Inna Kostyukovich, Chairperson of the regional public association of Orthodox women, head of the diaconal center of the Vitebsk diocese, is convinced that the whole secret lies in the boundless love that only a woman can keep in her heart, as in a precious vessel. This is love for her family, for her country, and for God.
The creative potential of the fair sex is almost inexhaustible, because even in the difficult years of military trials, they found the strength to believe, to wait, to remain faithful.
– It is admirable how our compatriots overcame life's difficulties, how in the years of repression they did not renounce their husbands, – shared Inna Vladimirovna. – They searched for their husbands in the camps, refusing their own well-being. Women cherished their honor and their love as their most precious treasure.
However, even today, women have a place for heroic deeds. Among them are women who have been awarded the Order of Motherhood, and there are 720 of them in the Vitebsk region, who have given birth to and raised five or more children. 472 residents of the Pridvinye region have become laureates of the award named after Hero of the Soviet Union Z. Tusnolobova-Marchenko.
There is reason to be proud, as Gennady Egorov, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, who was present at the conference, emphasized, thanks to the women of the Vitebsk region who worthily represent their region in the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, as well as in regional and local Councils of Deputies.
Women lead public associations, creative unions, enterprises, and organizations in the region. This has become possible due to the balanced state policy in ensuring equal rights for men and women.
