The Federal Association for Network Trading, known as FOST, has urged the Russian government to introduce tax incentives for women who run online trading businesses. The report comes via RT, which cites FOST’s appeal to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. This measure would be part of a broader effort to promote the digital economy and strengthen small and medium sized enterprises led by women. Advocates say targeted tax relief could ease operating costs, improve cash flow, and encourage more women to launch or expand online ventures across diverse regions. The proposal signals a recognition that the online trading sector plays an increasingly important role in Russia’s commercial landscape and that policy support could boost resilience and growth for female entrepreneurs.
FOST specifies that relief should reach mothers with many children and women caring for children under three. It argues that childcare responsibilities and the expense of raising young children reduce available resources for business investments, inventory, marketing, and staffing. With tax relief targeted to these groups, officials say financial stability would improve, access to finance could widen, and the conditions for starting and growing online businesses would become more favorable. The plan addresses the intersection of family life and entrepreneurship, acknowledging that caregiving duties often influence business decisions and outcomes.
According to FOST, nearly a quarter of women started their own business while on maternity leave. This figure represents a substantial portion of the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises, which contribute to economic activity and job creation. The trend highlights the growing participation of women in online commerce and underscores the need for policies that support female entrepreneurship, improve business reliability, and expand market opportunities in digital spaces.
Yana Lantratova, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Education Committee, spoke in October about a proposal to extend special assistance to female students who are expecting a child. Lawmakers say the current scholarships fall short of guaranteeing a minimum decent standard of living for a student who is balancing education with motherhood. The suggested support would ease financial pressures and help these students complete their studies while preparing for family life, signaling a broader policy focus on education, gender, and economic participation.
Russia already has criminal liability for submitting false tax documents, a measure aimed at strengthening compliance and preventing tax fraud. This context underscores the government’s attention to tax governance as policy discussions about incentives for women in online trade proceed, shaping expectations for responsible business practices.