Women’s status in Belarus is a complex issue. On the one hand, the state declares a will to improve women’s status and promote equal rights, but on the other, women are still deprived of opportunities in professional advancement, salary increases, access to professional positions and power. The burning issues invariably remain: domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual abuse, economic discrepancies, discrimination on the job market and the so-called “glass ceiling” – the obstacles that make it harder for women to access high decision-making positions.
A large number of Belarusian women wish to play an active role in their private lives, in the community and the entire country. Along their way, however, they stumble upon obstacles, the most important being: inadequate education and social consciousness on issues such as gender inequalities, discrimination and lack of solutions to these problems. Furthermore, Belarusian society is still clinging to deep-rooted stereotypes and traditionalist images of women’s roles. The media in Belarus often support the patriarchal context of a woman’s place being at home, not in the social or public space. This creates quite a high barrier for self-realisation and career. Many Belarusian women with impressive professional experience have failed to obtain promotions to decision-making positions. Their defeat means a loss for the entire society.
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