In the 20th century, Communism claimed that it had 'solved the feminist problem'. In theory, all people were equal, and women, as men, were seen as tools of labour to serve the Party. But in the Soviet society, women remained just as marginalised – only that now they were expected to provide labour along with their patriarchal roles of housewives and mothers.
In the New East states today, prejudices of gender roles are still vital, both in society and the government. In those states, 'would you look at her' is a sentence uttered regularly. It is a disapproving sigh against female behaviour that somewhat contradicts societal expectations.
With this programme, we delve into the worlds of women who refuse to be framed with such prejudice. From arranged marriages to centuries-old patriarchal traditions, and the oppression of female desire.
*This session has been locally classified by the City of London Corporation