25.09.2018

Moscow 24 TV channel: Ministry of Labor to review the list of professions prohibited for women

Moscow 24 TV channel interviewed (in Russian) Olga Abramenko, expert of Anti-Discrimination Centre “Memorial”, and Svetlana Medvedeva, helmsman/motorist about reconsideration of the list of professions prohibited for women by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Both interviewed are active participants in the campaign for the abolition of the discriminatory list of professions prohibited for women #AllJobs4allWomen.

The persistent fight against discrimination of the women, who became active participants of the campaign, which had been launched by ADC “Memorial” with the support of Russian trade unions, the use of various means of legal defense and communication with state and international institutions have resulted in the possibility for these women to exercise their right to work in the professional careers of their choice.

On September 21, 2018 Russian Labor Minister Maxim Topilin, speaking at the Eurasian Women’s Forum, stated that the ministry is currently completing its work on revising the current list of 456 professions prohibited for women. “In particular, restrictions are being removed on work in the baking industry, in aviation, maritime, river and rail transport, work as drivers of heavy trucks and drivers of special equipment”, he said. Adoption of the updated list of jobs [with restricted access for women], according to Maxim Topilin, “will expand women’s employment opportunities and ensure fair working conditions”, the Russian Ministry of Labor reported.