Women in Public Service in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Despite great reform, Russia has spent little time, effort, or money on improving and enhancing the role and status of its female public servants. Legislative measures are often discussed but are rarely completed and implemented. To date, few systematic studies of this situation have been undertaken. It can be argued that public service reform and development cannot be attained if they continue to ignore the role of women. Women constitute more than half of Russia’s population and nearly three quarters of its public service. As such, any governmental reform that fails to address gender and the expression of gender power within the public workplace is likely to be incomplete. This study examines the experiences of public servants within different structures of both the federal and regional public service of Russia. The information traces the nature and impact of shifting societal values regarding gender equity in public service employment.