Projects Civil Society and Human Rights

In Belarus, the main burden of childcare and household chores are in women’s duty: for example, a mother spends 3 times more time with a child than a father. Men are much less involved in childcare and upbringing, as well as in housework. Often there are also ideas about the existence of “male” and “female” domestic work, that women are abler to take care of small children. In fact, today only 1-2% of fathers take paternity leave at the birth of a child or social leave to take care for a child under three years old. These and many other examples indicate the existence of gender stereotypes, and these social perceptions, among other things, affect the lifestyle of partners (spouses), the development of children and the quality of life of families, in general.

On September 24, 2015, the Republic of Belarus acceded to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a year later, it ratified the instrument. The Convention provides for respect for the rights and basic freedoms of people with disabilities, their recognition as full-fledged members of the society. The project is aimed at bringing the national legislation in line with the Convention, as well as at introducing changes into the law enforcement practices in Belarus.

Many women and children – victims of domestic violence – do not have prompt access to protection and support services. At the moment, Belarus lacks shelters or qualified professionals for them. There is also a need for large-scale public awareness activities against domestic violence and for the peaceful resolution of family conflicts.