Authors

Discussion

In today’s Russia, discussions surrounding gender-related matters often involve public officials who either emerge from elected positions in regional legislative assemblies or hold appointed roles within the various regions and republics of the Russian Federation. Many of these officials, particularly those part of the “regional cabinets,” are often regarded as “system” figures who have either climbed the administrative hierarchy to reach ministerial positions or have been transferred from other administrative areas.

The Russian civil service has been historically “feminized,” and because of the tendency to close ranks, women more frequently occupy ministerial posts related to social affairs, including domains like education and healthcare. This pattern perpetuates traditional gender roles, where women are commonly associated with caregiving responsibilities. Consequently, female civil servants in these roles periodically find themselves addressing issues related to gender equality, women's rights, and related topics.

Through a series of case studies, this analysis aims to assess the alignment of regional officials' discourses with the federal government's position and their reflection of a broader trend towards a conservative backlash in gender-related perspectives and policies.