The eighteenth century can rightfully be called a century of female rule in Russia, dominated by Catherine the Great, which brought reform. In the following centuries, women left a strong mark on Russian science, culture, industry and literature. In the Soviet era, women held many positions in many areas of the economy, society, and culture. For example, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman cosmonaut in the world in 1963 as part of the world class Soviet space program.
However, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the situation of women in Russia and the other new nations formed from its republics has deteriorated. Such problems as women trafficking ("white slavery"), a dramatic increase in prostitution, especially among teenagers, has resulted from the dramatic economic collapse of the Soviet Union and the Russian economy in 1998, which lowered the standard of living to such an extreme degree. The rise of alcoholism among men has been a factor in the rise in violence against women. Greater sexual abuse in the workplace is also prevalent.
Massive cuts in government spending have also resulted in a deterioration of state medical care systems throughout the former Soviet Union. These systems were vital for sustaining the basic needs of women's health concerns. Most women cannot afford new private medical care or pay for added fees (bribes) within the state healthcare system. The new American-Eurasian Women's Studies hopes to expand its focus to other areas in Europe and Asia where women's issues and developments are important, for instance in Afghanistan and China.
A further diminution of the role of women in politics is occurring, especially in the provinces. In response, there is a new growing feminism movement in Russia and Eurasia. Their issues require serious research and a sharing of experience and ideas through interchange with American women. The Eurasia Center will publish carefully tailored reports and work with local nonprofits to bring these issues to the level of visibility they deserve.