Forum dedicated to the role of women in preserving the traditions and languages of the North opens at the National Centre RUSSIA
The II Forum of Women of the North opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 30 June. The main theme of the event is "The North Unites: the role of women in strengthening the unity of the peoples of Russia". The forum is dedicated to preserving the culture, traditions and languages of the peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East, ensuring environmental security and protecting the unique natural environment of the Arctic, as well as promoting women's participation in the economic development of northern regions. The forum has brought together more than 800 participants, including leaders of public organisations, social workers, teachers, doctors and entrepreneurs from 28 regions of the country.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to the participants of the II Forum of Women of the North. The message was read out by Artur Muravyov, Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Federation Council.
"Women make a unique contribution to the development of our northern territories. We are proud that it was a Russian citizen who, in 2025, became the first woman in world history to take her place on the bridge of a nuclear-powered icebreaker as captain. You work in key sectors of the economy, make scientific discoveries, achieve success in the arts, devote enormous effort to public and volunteer activities, and provide comprehensive support to participants and veterans of the special military operation and to their families and loved ones. I am confident that your forum will be constructive and that its proposals and recommendations will prove valuable and be translated into practical action," Vladimir Putin emphasised.
Chair of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko noted that the Forum of Women of the North is a platform where initiatives are transformed into real solutions. According to her, one of the most important decisions of recent years was the adoption of legislation on nomadic education. This has enabled children from Indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North to study where their families live and carry out their traditional economic activities.
"I am pleased to tell you that we already have the first practical results from our joint work. A number of proposals put forward by participants of the First Forum of Women of the North have been reflected in the Concept of the Sustainable Development of the Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East. In accordance with our recommendations, amendments have been adopted to legislation clarifying fishing regulations to support the traditional way of life of Indigenous peoples. In addition, a new profession — worker in a nomadic dwelling — was added to the professional standard for livestock breeders. This decision officially recognised the demanding work of nomadic women and secured pension rights for them on an equal footing with other workers in the Far North. I consider this our shared achievement," said the Speaker of the Federation Council.
Valentina Matviyenko added that the Russian North plays a key role in the country's security and economy, while the forum's main task is to develop new support measures for the regions. She also encouraged participants to share proposals and raise concerns, all of which will be included in the final document containing recommendations for the President and the Government. In addition, she noted the growing number of women in leadership positions and the strong demand for business education programmes in the North and the Far East.
"Their work, professionalism and sense of responsibility largely determine the development of these geostrategic territories. Women develop businesses, work in the social sphere and dedicate themselves to public service <…> Thanks to government support measures, our macro-regions are creating conditions both for building professional careers and for starting families and raising children. Supporting families, motherhood, women's professional fulfilment and creating comfortable living conditions are unquestionable priorities of state policy in the Far East and the Arctic," said Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov.
He added that women have always been and continue to be one of the principal driving forces behind the development of the Far East and the Arctic. At the same time, the Minister noted that the Far East continues to maintain a higher birth rate than the national average — 1.43 compared with 1.36.
Governor of the Nenets Autonomous Area Irina Gekht shared examples of support measures for Indigenous peoples and women's initiatives. She spoke about the implementation of the "Red Chum" ("Red Tent") project, which provides health screening for reindeer herders in the tundra, and the "Children of the Arctic" programme. She also announced that a forum for chum workers — women who form the foundation of life in the tundra — is planned for March next year.
"The role of women in the North and among Indigenous peoples is central and multifaceted. In conditions of an extreme climate and a nomadic way of life, where survival depends on preserving traditions, women are not simply guardians of the home — they are the foundation of economic, social and spiritual life. It is women who stand guard over the preservation of language and traditions. In our region, more than 15 educators teach the Nenets language. On the initiative of a public organisation led by a woman, an interactive Nenets language dictionary is being created, and the first textbooks on the history, geography and literature of our region have appeared," Irina Gekht shared.
The plenary session also featured speeches by Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and Chair of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" State Foundation Anna Tsivileva, Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area Vladislav Kuznetsov and others.
The session also included a ceremonial presentation of the Eurasian Women's Forum award "At the Call of a Woman's Heart". The recipients included Elvira Nurgaliyeva, coordinator of the Eurasian Women's Forum Council (EWFC) project "Women in the Socio-Economic Development of the Far East and Arctic" and Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and Arctic; Anna Otke, coordinator of the EWFC project "Women of the North for the Preservation of Traditions and Sustainable Development of Territories" and member of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs; and Yevgenia Chibis, coordinator of the EWFC project "Women and Their Role in the Development of Naval Cities" and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Unified Volunteer Centre.
The II Forum of Women of the North is taking place 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 Arctic, and the Eurasian Women's Forum. The forum is held with the support of the Association of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East of the Russian Federation and the ANO "Centre for Traditional Knowledge and Languages of Indigenous Small-Numbered Peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East".
Event photobank
Participants in the wedding festival have chosen either exact replicas of traditional costumes or individual elements inspired by ethnic styles for their wedding attire.
