Russian senators took part in the Eurasian Women’s Forum (EWF) Council session at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
The high level of entrepreneurial activity of women in Russia and African countries is one of the conditions for developing economic ties, strengthening strategic partnerships and implementing joint projects in various industries, Federation Council Deputy Speaker Galina Karelova said during the EWF Council session, “Women of Russia and Africa: International cooperation for sustainable development and social progress.” The discussion took place at the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the women’s agenda has become an essential part of the business programmes of all large international events. According to her, the EWF Council session on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Forum once again reaffirms the recognition of the growing importance of women and their contribution in the development of society, including the socioeconomic sphere.
“At the third Eurasian Women's Forum, the Russian and African women demonstrated that they are conducting a dialogue in the same language: the language of fair, mutually beneficial cooperation,” the senator said.
Galina Karelova said that now Russia’s trade with African countries was about $18 billion. At the same time, according to her, an analysis of promising commodity niches has shown that by 2030 this figure could be doubled if joint efforts are intensified to strengthen bilateral relations in this area.
The Federation Council Deputy Speaker informed the meeting participants about the ongoing EWF Council projects, many of which have an international component and are also represented in Africa. In particular, members of the EWF Council are actively interacting with representatives of South Africa, Tunisia, Cameroon, Tanzania and Egypt on issues of supporting women in science, technology, and energy, developing entrepreneurship and education, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. According to Galina Karelova, the development of trade and economic cooperation and women's cooperation takes precedence. The Women’s Cooperation in International Trade project is aimed at achieving this.
“We welcome our partnership with African countries at international organisations and associations. We intend to further strengthen it, in particular through the Women’s Twenty and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance,” the Federation Council Deputy Speaker said.
She also focused on the importance of communication activity and women’s access to digital platforms. The senator suggested using the portal of the Eurasian Women’s Forum for discussion, including exchanging success stories of women entrepreneurs, proposals for participation in competitions, promotions, and projects.
“In today’s conditions, women’s active creative role, including in business, is especially in demand. I am sure that, with common goals and aspirations, together with the women of African countries, we can achieve an even higher level of partnership in the interests of peace and sustainable development,” said Galina Karelova.
Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Inna Svyatenko focused on cooperation in the sphere of culture and tourism. The senator spoke about the results of the Moscow Government delegation’s visit to the Republic of Algeria in March 2023. In particular, an agreement was reached to establish direct contacts between the two capitals’ schools in order to provide students studying Russian with additional opportunities for language practice.
“Algerians need to learn the Russian language, because many of them plan to continue their studies in Russia. In general, Algeria is interested in exchanging experience in the field of preservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites and monuments, in holding tours of Russian creative teams, and exchanging museum and art exhibitions,” she noted.
According to Inna Svyatenko, today 34,000 students from the African continent are studying in Russia.
“At the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia alone, there are 2,500 students from 54 African countries. In 2022/2023, this university received the most students from Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia, Algeria, and Angola.”
The senator stressed that Russian society was interested in studying African culture. According to Inna Svyatenko, bloggers and journalists play a big role in its popularisation: they talk about the peculiarities of life in Africa and Russia, and the history of relations between countries.
Tatiana Sakharova, a member of the Federation Council Committee on Budget and Financial Markets, also took part in the meeting.