In recent years, Russian authorities have stressed the need to protect family values. In Bashkortostan, a multinational republic within the Russian Federation, it became even more difficult to have a dialogue about the role of women in a modern world. However, the comparison of traditional and modern values is key to understanding the existing problems. Bashkir women shared their thoughts on today's life in a system still dictated by society and family, where they are expected to retain their traditional roles. (Photos by RFE/RL's Sergey Poteryaev/Tatar-Bashkir Service)
"We Love Freedom" - Bashkir women talk about family values
1
Regina
29 years old, art historian
"I think that the goal for a Bashkir girl is to be worthy of her nation and its history. It's important, while possessing gadgets, to build traditions into modern realities. I have made the breastplate necklace myself and I plan to use ethnic patterns in my wardrobe further on."
2
Salima
29 years old, artist at a television station
"I am the daughter of my nation, not just my father and mother. I am constantly in search of information about the history of my ancestors. For a Bashkir girl, there is no big difference between the traditional and modern way of life. I like the traditional way and I feel comfortable in it. For example when my husband is hungry, I cannot let him eat a simple sandwich. And I had a dowry."
3
Uraliya
13 years old, schoolgirl
"I think that it is difficult to live with traditional values in the modern world. Nowadays, life is easier and that has certain consequences. Yet, I would like to have a big family and not to forget about my career."
4
Lyaisan
31 years old, journalist
"It's cool to be Bashkir. Even though we are different, there's a belligerence in our blood. Previously, when men went to war, women would take over all their responsibilities. However, is that equality?"