My Voice is a Chance for Change

Back in USSR… I was born in the country which not exists anymore. In this fabulous country everyone was equal, so far that women here built railway lines, and one of them became the longest in the world. One of the main slogans from those times was “A Woman! Rebel against kitchen slavery!” And women rebelled. They not only made all housework, but also worked on house building, heavy and machine industry, etc. And everyone sincerely believed that women had equal rights with men. And yes, they had the right to work the same hard as men.

At one moment this huge country collapsed. Everything changed. But one thing did not. A woman here never had a right to be a feminist. In the times of the USSR to be a feminist was almost the same as to be a spy, in the same line with political crimes and betray of the country because surely you supported those evil American capitalists. Now to be a feminist means you are lesbian or that crazy one with sexual problems. I must confess I avoided this word also because didn’t want people think I am kind of sick. Because we live in European country, in 21 century, a priori it means women have all rights. Then what to do with those ones who suffer from domestic violence? Who live with alcoholic husbands just because they cannot divorce, better suffer than provoke rumors. A good girl must have only one man, if he hits you it means he loves you (is a proverb), you cannot find a good husband if you are older than 25 or worse –have children. I live in this world. I live in the nightmare of “And what our neighbors will say about your divorce?” or “I hope at least you don’t sleep with him?” and “Don’t get pregnant!” Last phrase I’ve heard from my mother when I was 33 years and married for the second time. My mother taught me that women should not enjoy sex, but must give all satisfaction for a man. I live in the country where opinion of neighbors is more important than your happiness, where men have right to have lovers and you don’t even have a right to divorce.

I lived more than thirty years in the silence. And now I have a chance not only to speak, but to shout! No one in this world can take your right to be happy! And yes, you are good enough to be loved and respected!

If I have a chance to be heard of World Pulse creators, I would say “Thanks a lot for this incredible opportunity and for my voice which raises above all prejudices. And I promise never stop! I want women understand they deserve to be happy just because they are women, just because they are human beings!”

Smile and do all to become happy! Give me your hand! We will walk together this beautiful road, because we deserve it!