Value 0.152 (2013) Maternal mortality (per 100,000) 4 (2010) Females over 25 with secondary education 87.0% (2012) | Rank 28th out of 152 Women in parliament 29.5% (2013) Women in labour force 62% (2014) | |
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The modern-day characteristics of women in Belarus evolved from the events that happened in the history of Belarus, particularly when the "concept of equal rights for women was first developed and substantiated in the late 16th century". The so-called Grand Duchy Charter of 1588 - one of the most important legal documents in Belarusian history - protected the dignity of Belarusian women under the law. Women in Belarus and their contribution to Belarusian society is celebrated annually on the 8th of March, during International Women's Day.
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Population
In 2000, 53% of the population of Belarus was female. The average life-span for Belarusian women is at around 74 years old.
Role in society
According to tradition, setting food on the table is customarily done by women. Caring for the household and the rearing of children are also traditionally delegated to them.
Organizations for women
Feminist groups in Belarus first appeared in 1991, and then more were formed onwards. These organizations included the Union of Women in Belarus (formerly known as the Belarusian Committee of Soviet Women), the League of Women in Belarus, the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, the Women's Christian-Democratic Movement, the Belarusian feminist movement "For the Renaissance of the Fatherland", the League of Women-Electors, and the Women's Liberal Association.
Gender rights
Married women in Belarus are entitled to retain personal and private property, income, investments, and other assets earned by them.