Editor’s note: This is a special edition of Vox Populi, made during the Feminists March in Kyiv on March 8, the International Women’s Day.
“I can do without flowers and presents, but not without rights and respect.” (Anastasia Vlasova)
Olga Semenyuk, translator:
“Our society is in captivity of traditional and religious views. Even In my family, I suffer from constant pressure, because I have no husband and no kids in my 20s. I came here today in solidarity with those men and women, who, like myself, think that nobody should be discriminated in the modern world.”
“Not manly but strong, brave, courageous, feminine” (Anastasia Vlasova)
Anastasia Shevchenko, ex-soldier, actress:
“I would say we are lucky that we live in Ukraine because here we have a strong chance to get equal rights someday. A really strong chance! That’s all for now.”
Taras Volkov, co-founder of women’s clothing brand Grass:
“I don’t think people feel equal in Ukraine. For example, Nordic countries have erased the gender difference and their duties. In the Ukrainian society many people are still fond of traditional family values: a woman is a home keeper and a man is a breadwinner. Some women also claim they don’t want any rights, except the right to be protected, just because it is simpler this way.”
Yuliya Moroz, movie director, student:
“We have equal rights only on paper. Our patriarchal society discriminates men and women. We need to educate the younger generation to get rid of sexism. For that children should study not the Christian Orthodox ethics, like they do now, but sexual ethics and human rights. Girls should know that we’ve gained the right to vote and choose our partners not so long ago.”
Mykola Spyrydonov, businessman, biker:
“I don’t really understand how women are being discriminated in Ukraine. We are not equal by nature. A man is a head and a woman is a neck. A man must be strong, protect and make money for his family. A woman can work, but all the money she earns is for herself only. If a woman makes money for the family that means her man is pathetic.”
