Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed admiration for Russian women on International Women's Day, lauding them for their contributions to motherhood, charm, and beauty, as part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering the country's birth rate.
The celebration of the 8th of March holiday has remained immensely popular in Russia since the days of the Soviet Union, characterized by the tradition of exchanging flowers and sweets, alongside elaborate speeches praising women's femininity and their adeptness in managing households.
In a video message commemorating the occasion, Putin emphasized the importance of prioritizing family interests and needs in Russia, pledging governmental support and assistance for families with multiple children and young parents.
Directly addressing women, Putin commended their ability to efficiently tackle complex tasks while maintaining their charm and beauty, describing it as a source of admiration for men.
Putin's efforts to promote Russia's birth rate have intensified, with a call for large families to become the societal norm and a cornerstone of government strategy, as highlighted in his recent annual parliamentary address.
Furthermore, this year's presidential greetings extended special recognition to women involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, acknowledging their role in military tasks and expressing gratitude for their support of soldiers.
The emphasis on upholding traditional family values has become a central theme in Putin's discourse, contrasting what he perceives as declining moral standards in the West, particularly regarding sexuality and same-sex marriage. Last November, Russia's Supreme Court further restricted expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity by banning the LGBT movement, aligning with Putin's conservative stance on social issues.
