Ethnic Activism and Gender Strategies: Women in Social Movement of Indigenous Peoples of North in Yakutia in Late 20th Century

Abstract

The role of women in the activities of socio-political associations of indigenous peoples of Yakutia in the late 20^th century is considered. It is pointed out that the relatively high position of women in traditional societies in the North predetermined their high role in social processes. Particular attention is paid to the conditions in which the Northern aborigines found themselves during the period of industrial development of the territories of their traditional residence. The author notes that the modernization of the socio-economic way of life of the peoples of the North with the intervention of the state is marked by negative trends towards the loss of their way of life and ethno-cultural heritage. Placed in an unequal position with the non-indigenous population, representatives of aboriginal ethnic groups were forced to adapt to changing living standards. At the same time, the greatest adaptability was demonstrated by women, whose commitment to education and higher social activity and mobility predetermined their predominant role in public life. This phenomenon became most noticeable at the end of the 20^th century, when the collapse of the Soviet political system made it possible to defend their rights through ethno-cultural movements and associations. The article was prepared by the order of the Union of women’s organizations of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) within the project “Women of the North: Realization of Social Potential in Yakutia”.