Support for women of the North is a matter of developing Arctic territories — Russian senators

Traditional values — respect for the family, continuity between generations, collective responsibility and harmony with nature — are the foundation that unites the peoples of Russia. In the regions of the North, Siberia and the Far East, traditions remain a living basis of everyday life and a crucial factor in preserving cultural identity. This was the conclusion reached by participants in the strategic session "The North Unites: The Role of Women in Strengthening the Unity of the Peoples of Russia", held as part of the II Forum of Women of the North.

Alexander Novyukhov, member of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and Northern Affairs, President of the Association of Indigenous Minority Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation, spoke on "The Role of Women of Indigenous Minority Peoples in the Preservation and Development of Northern and Arctic Territories".

Photo: Press Office of the Federation Council

As the senator noted, women play a key role in preserving the languages of indigenous minority peoples. They have traditionally implemented most projects focused on studying native languages, creating teaching materials, working with children and developing ethnocultural education. This applies both to the professional work of teachers and to upbringing within the family.

"The field of knowledge has largely and for a long time remained 'female'. Women have become involved in the economic development of territories. More and more representatives of indigenous peoples are engaging in entrepreneurship, developing ethnotourism, traditional crafts, family businesses and projects in the creative industries. They not only preserve traditions, but also create new opportunities for the development of their territories," he said.

According to him, women ensure the resilience of northern communities: they work in schools, kindergartens, cultural and healthcare institutions and public organisations, raise children and preserve social ties within the community.

"In the North, people understand a simple pattern well: as long as women remain in a territory, families are preserved there, children are born there and there is a future there. Men may leave to study, work or pursue traditional trades, but they return to where there is a home, a family and people who connect generations with one another. Therefore, supporting women is not only a matter of equal opportunities, but also a matter of preserving and developing the northern territories themselves," Alexander Novyukhov believes.

The II Forum of Women of the North is being held at the National Centre RUSSIA from 30 June to 1 July. The event is organised by the Federation Council, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, and the Eurasian Women’s Forum. The event is being held with the support of the Association of Indigenous Minority Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation and the autonomous non-profit organisation Centre for Traditional Knowledge and Languages of Indigenous Minority Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East.