22.09.2024 / News

Historic Milestones at the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum: Celebrating Women Leaders and Global Cooperation

The fourth edition of the Eurasian Women’s Forum, themed "Women for Strengthening Trust and Global Cooperation," brought together over 1,500 participants from 126 countries, marking the largest gathering in the forum’s history. Organised by Russia's Federation Council and the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member States, the forum highlighted the pivotal role of women in addressing modern global challenges.

A Global Platform for Women’s Leadership

President Vladimir Putin opened the forum with a powerful address, underscoring the critical importance of women’s leadership in all spheres of life. "Your forum is a respected international platform, showcasing the vast potential of modern women and their colossal contributions to society," he said. His speech emphasized the role of women in promoting unity, sustainable development, and global peace, calling for more cooperation in tackling complex global issues.

The forum’s agenda transcended the traditional focus on women’s roles, instead bringing together female leaders who have achieved remarkable success across various sectors including politics, business, and humanitarian work. "Your voices are heard by governments around the world, and your recommendations influence major international organizations," President Putin remarked, acknowledging the forum’s growing stature.

Honoring Outstanding Women: "Woman of the Russian World" Award

One of the forum’s most anticipated moments was the announcement of the winners of the prestigious "Woman of the Russian World" award. This award recognizes Russian women and compatriots abroad for their outstanding efforts in preserving and promoting Russian culture and values. Presented across five categories, the winners were:

1. Art and Culture: Ekaterina Alekseyeva, a UN Goodwill Ambassador and head of the Russian Cultural Center in Bangkok, received recognition for her work in promoting Russian traditions and culture through her Folk Dance Academy, which plays a key role in Thailand’s cultural scene.

2. PR and Journalism: Marianna Mladenovic from Belgrade, head of the Russia-Serbia Association of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurs, was honored for her efforts in promoting Russian-Serbian business ties and organizing cultural media events.

3. Youth Policy: Olga Klyuchevskaya from Volgograd, a teacher who has dedicated her career to mentoring at-risk youth, conducting surveys, and advancing scientific research in youth policy.

4. Social Projects and Volunteering: Alexandra Sinyak from St. Petersburg, leader of the charity foundation “Dobrodomik,” was recognized for her remarkable work providing free meals and organizing social activities for seniors and orphaned children.

5. Entrepreneurship: Yulia Pankova from Sevastopol, who runs a family carpentry workshop and spearheads inclusive sports events for children with disabilities.

6. "Public Recognition" Award: Honoring Global Figures for Their Contributions

Another highlight of the forum was the presentation of the "Public Recognition" award, honoring women who have made significant contributions to peace, sustainable development, and social advancement. This year’s laureates included distinguished women from various countries:

1. Natalia Kochanova, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of Belarus.

2. Mabel Chinomona, Speaker of the Senate of Zimbabwe.

3. Nellie Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia.

4. Brigitte Touadera, First Lady of the Central African Republic, recognized for her charitable work.

5. Anna Nesterova, organizer of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, noted for promoting international cooperation in the business community.

6. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of Russia’s Federation Council, praised the awardees for their work in fostering cooperation across borders. She also announced plans to create a "Digital Honor Board" on the forum’s official website, showcasing the achievements of all past and present laureates.

Empowering Women in Industry: Research Unveiled

The forum was also a platform for unveiling groundbreaking research conducted by the NAFI Analytical Center in collaboration with major Russian companies, including Norilsk Nickel and SIBUR. The study examined the socio-economic status of women in Russian industries, shedding light on the barriers they face and strategies for overcoming them.

"The presence of women in certain industrial sectors remains low, with their share still below 25% in some cases," said Galina Karelova, Chairperson of the Eurasian Women’s Forum Council. The study highlighted how technological advances and the reduction of physical labor requirements open up new opportunities for women, but noted that societal pressures and stereotypes continue to pose challenges.

BRICS Women's Business Alliance: A Force for Global Cooperation

The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, led by Anna Nesterova, also took center stage at the forum, playing a crucial role in fostering economic collaboration between BRICS nations. Under her leadership, the alliance has spearheaded numerous initiatives to encourage women’s participation in business, entrepreneurship, and cross-border trade, contributing to the economic growth of member nations.

Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum, was a notable participant, emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation among women leaders in the BRICS countries. She highlighted the shared vision of empowering women to drive social and economic progress within their respective regions.

A Forum of "Hopes That Come True"

Reflecting on the success of the event, Valentina Matviyenko described the forum as the "Forum of Hopes That Come True." With over 100 events, including panels, workshops, and discussions, the forum facilitated a productive exchange of ideas, resulting in several cooperation agreements and important decisions aimed at improving women’s social and economic status.

Galina Karelova concluded the forum by expressing her gratitude to the participants and organizers, remarking that the constructive discussions would undoubtedly have a lasting impact. "This was a bright, dynamic event filled with a fantastic atmosphere," she said. "Thanks to everyone, we will see the forum’s ideas transformed into real projects and meaningful progress."