The Russian government’s rhetoric to emphasise traditional values has been greatly intensified after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The government has stepped up its attack on women’s rights. Domestic violence is being normalised, and feminism is being questioned as an extremist ideology. In the North Caucasus, harmful practices against women and girls, such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages, including of children, continue. The Russian authorities tolerate this. In detention centres across Russia, women are subjected to severe human rights violations, such as inadequate health and hygiene care and family separation.
At a time when patriarchal ideology dominates in Russia, the experiences and tools of the struggle for women’s rights and freedoms are increasingly valued. In this event, we will shed light on these critical issues and explore practical solutions.
The event is connected to NHC’s Christmas Campaign, which will bring attention to women political prisoners in Russia, Ukrainian women in Russian detention, and women prisoners in other countries in the region. We have created a 2025 calendar where we tell the stories of women in prison who need our support. Combined with the 16 days of activism Campaign, this is an important priority when attacks on women human rights defenders are increasing dramatically. The calendar will be sold at the event.
The event is organised by the NHC, OVD-Info and HRDC Memorial.
Program
Welcome – Berit Lindeman, Secretary General
#16 days of activism against gender-based violence – why women political prisoners? – Mina Skouen, Senior Adviser Equal Rights
What is threatening women political prisoners’ health — a need for monitoring platforms – Elena Lipatova, OVD-Info
Prosecutable victim: assessment of gender-based violence in the case of the former ISIS member’s wife – Tamilla Imanova, HRDC Memorial
Women’s rights as a vehicle for the rule of law in the North Caucasus – Vanessa Kogan, Araminta
Q&A
OVD-Info Exhibition on Women Political Prisoners In Russia
NHC also co-host the Brainwashing Machine Exhibition in Oslo before Christmas.