BOOK REVIEW: New publication examines lives of women in Russia and Ukraine (05/25/97)

BOOK REVIEW

New publication examines lives of women in Russia and Ukraine

by Olga Stawnychy

Is Western feminism being accepted by Ukrainian and Russian women?

Are women taking an active role in determining their future in the new democracies?

How had colonialization affected Ukrainian women?

How has the Soviet system of "equality of the sexes" affected the lives of men and women, and their roles in society?

These and many other questions are discussed by leading Western specialists, and Russian and Ukrainian feminists, in the recently published book "Women in Russia and Ukraine" edited by Rosalind March. Most of the essays deal with Russian women, but many of the topics are relevant throughout the ex-Soviet republics.

Two chapters are devoted exclusively to Ukrainian women: "Feminism in Post-Communist Ukrainian Society" by Solomea Pavlychko, and "Christian Virgin or Pagan Goddess: Feminism Versus the Eternally Feminine in Ukraine" by Marian J. Rubchak.

There is a comparison between the historic roles of Russian and Ukrainian women and how they differed from the 12th century until the present. Historically, Ukrainian women were held in high esteem and had equal and complementary roles in a matriarchal society. On the other hand, Russian women had a subservient role in a patriarchal society where they were expected to be obedient and docile. In Russia wife-beating was condoned and accepted both by the Church and state, while in Ukraine beating a wife or a husband was against the law.

When Russia colonized Ukraine in the 18th century, these patriarchal traditions began to have a negative impact on Ukrainian women and changed their status in society. This patriarchal system continued under Soviet rule throughout the republics, even through Marxist ideology and socialism believed in equality of the sexes. This "equality" held true on paper, but not while making decisions or policies in real life.

With perestroika and the ultimate unraveling of the Soviet system, women suffered an even further blow. They were the first to lose their jobs and were further burdened by the stress of being responsible for providing the necessities of life for the family with ever-diminishing resources. They suffered additional indignities when the system blamed them for the disintegration of the family, delinquency of the children, and alcoholic and abusive husbands.

Ms. Pavlychko writes: "While a new (non-Soviet) attitude towards women is being formed in Ukraine, patriarchal mythology of all kinds is being revitalized in the course of the so-called national revival. At the same time, there is an invasion of mass culture from the West: Barbie dolls, mediocre video films ..."

In this time of cultural instability, a mixed and confusing message is being sent to the Ukrainian woman. On the one hand she is expected to be the traditional mother and keeper of the family, and on the other she is portrayed as a sex symbol to be enjoyed by men, notes Ms. Pavlychko.

She also writes "The official celebration of International Women's Day on March 8 has turned into an annual anti-feminist ritual. In actual fact this is a most important male holiday, when women annually reassert themselves as passive, submissive creatures eager to accept male domination and power."

She continues by observing that feminism in Ukraine is suffering a backlash: "Women's views are not represented, their needs are not met, their problems are not addressed, their rights are not implemented ... it is imperative that women should voice their opposition to a society ruled by old men...otherwise a democratic civil society in Ukraine will remain an impossible dream."

The Soviet "equality" of the sexes actually destroyed the feminist cultural traditions and the organized women's movement that existed in Ukraine from the turn of the century. Today's women's organizations are emphasizing the role of a woman as, first and foremost, a builder of a strong, independent Ukraine. The emphasis is on tradition, language, customs and nurturing. This will ultimately benefit the whole Ukrainian society.

This link between nationalism and feminism was discussed a decade ago by Marta Bohachevsky-Chomiak in her book, "Feminists Despite Themselves: Women in Ukrainian Community Life 1884-1939." It seems that women once again, just as in the 19th century, are assuming this "traditional" role.

In another chapter, Prof. Rubchak discusses this issue, as well as the impact of the Soviet mentality with respect to feminism upon Ukrainian women and the use of ancient symbolism, the "Berehynia," in present-day Ukraine.

She quotes Oksana Sepeliak, president of the Ukrainian Association of Women in Lviv, "before she and her sisters start liberating women, they must first liberate the nation."

Prof. Rubchak states "the very fact that women are as likely as men to reject the need for any change in prevailing attitudes toward women in Ukraine illustrates the widespread hostility to the very concept of an authentic feminist consciousness in Ukraine." She goes on to say that women "perpetuate their own inferior status ... the Ukrainian woman's God-given mission ... giving birth to saviors ... no thought of such outstanding individuals being female."

This book has answered some of the questions regarding the present situation in Russia and Ukraine. It will be interesting to follow additional studies to see how women formulate their roles within their society and what kind of feminism will emerge.

"Women in Russia and Ukraine" is available in paperback from Cambridge University Press for $24.95. To order call 1-800-872-7423.

Olga Stawnychy is public relations spokesperson and non-governmental representative to the United Nations for the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations.

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