In December, discussions in the State Duma focused on reevaluating within a year the plan to repeal Article 253 of the Russian Labor Code, which currently bars women from certain dangerous occupations. A survey conducted by the Aktion Labor Protection service, part of the Aktion group and reviewed by socialbites.ca, suggests that Russian women are not eager to take on jobs on the prohibited list. The policy change does not have broad appeal and faces clear resistance.
Across the respondents, 41 percent were aware of the attempt to remove the list of forbidden occupations entirely, while 59 percent had not heard about it. A substantial 65 percent viewed the initiative unfavorably, with only 13 percent offering support and 22 percent remaining ambivalent.
Additionally, half of those surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the 2021 narrowing of the list. When asked whether lawmakers acted correctly by reducing the number of jobs banned for women in 2021, 49 percent answered no and 51 percent disagreed. About 45 percent cited a lack of workers as the main driver behind the list reduction.
More than half, 54 percent, stated they would decline a position on the banned list even if the list were cancelled and social conditions and a fair salary were in place. Conversely, 11 percent indicated they would definitely accept such an offer, and 35 percent suggested they might consider it but remained unsure about taking it.
When asked who would be more likely to fill previously restricted roles, 56 percent believed a man would be better suited to take such a position if the list were reduced from 456 to 100. The remaining 43 percent felt that a highly skilled individual, regardless of gender, would secure the right job. Only 1 percent believed a woman would be hired for this kind of role.
Reasons for women working in prohibited jobs included limited alternatives cited by 38 percent of respondents; 41 percent attributed the drive to financial needs; and 17 percent thought the occupation could be personally rewarding and offer professional growth. The remaining 4 percent provided mixed explanations. Attribution: Aktion Labor Protection service, reviewed by socialbites.ca.
The perspectives reflected in the survey illuminate broader questions about labor markets, gender roles, and policy design in Russia. They highlight how workers weigh safety, opportunity, and compensation when confronted with potential regulatory changes. Proponents of reform argue that modernizing occupational restrictions could open pathways for capable workers, while opponents warn of risks to safety and the need for robust protections. Public sentiment appears to tilt toward preserving existing safeguards, with a notable share of respondents prioritizing security and clear employment terms over potential openings.
Analysts note that the political environment around labor code provisions often intersects with discussions about gender equality, economic necessity, and workforce demographics. The debate touches on how to balance protective regulations with the realities of a shifting economy, where talent and capability can emerge across genders when proper controls, training, and oversight are in place. Observers emphasize that any change should be accompanied by rigorous risk assessments, transparent criteria for job eligibility, and dependable enforcement mechanisms to maintain safety standards while expanding opportunity for workers who meet the required qualifications. Attribution: Aktion Labor Protection service, reviewed by socialbites.ca.