1917-1928 - Lenin and the NEP's Impact on Women

• Equality between the sexes was key to Marxist teaching.
• The new Bolshevik government introduces measures to improve the lives of women.

  • Women could own property, sex discrimination became illegal, divorce was easier, abortion was legalised and made available on demand.
• Lenin also provided creches and nurseries in order to enable women to go out to work.
• To promote the position of women in society, the Communist Party set up a women's branch of the Central Committee.
• Communist propaganda sold the vision of men and women as equals working towards the goal of building a socialist paradise.
• However, women faced the problem of the dual burden of work and family.
• Very few of the creches and nurseries planned by Lenin were actually built.
• Women continued to be paid less than men.
• Easier access to divorce actually provided to be the detriment of many women as 70% of divorces were initiated by men.
• In Moscow in 1927, two-thirds of marriages ended in divorce.
• Domestic violence and rape were shockingly common crimes.
• Rising levels of unemployment also negatively affected women.
• Many women lost a wage that was vital for supporting their families.