The great Confucius once said, “A woman is a being who may be delicate and tender, yet also strong and determined when need arises.”

And today, I have the honour of speaking with just such women.

– Dear ladies, nowadays women are playing an active role not just within the family but also in the life of their country and the world as a whole. I’m very fond of the saying by Gina Carey: “A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.” In your view, what challenges are women facing today?

– Leticia Elongo Wangu: It’s clear that women today still face particular difficulties, especially when it comes to professional growth. Gender stereotypes and the notorious “glass ceiling” often create barriers in career advancement and access to opportunities compared to men in professional spheres. On top of that, there’s the genuine struggle of balancing work and family life. These hurdles can slow down a woman’s progress and success, regardless of her skills and determination.

– Galli Monastyreva: I find the word “challenge” a bit harsh, to be honest. I’d rather talk about the goals a woman sets for herself. Thank goodness in our country, women don’t have to fight for anything — we have equal rights with men.

In fact, the most active women these days are those in the 45 category. Their children are grown, and they begin to feel the urge to share what they have — their experience, their knowledge, their talents. I’d call it this: spreading goodness across the world. Women start to get involved in public life and charity work. It’s not a challenge — it’s a life stance.

– In both Russia and African countries, we’re seeing high levels of entrepreneurial activity among women. In light of global developments, there’s a growing importance in expanding international cooperation between women from Russia and Africa. In which areas could this collaboration be most fruitful?

– Leticia Elongo Wangu: If we’re talking about entrepreneurship, agriculture, trade, and services, these are among the most popular fields for women in Africa. There’s great potential for sharing experience and technology, especially in processing and preserving agricultural products, as well as in the development of crafts and organic cosmetics. These are the areas where partnerships between women in the Russian Federation and their African sisters can really flourish through the establishment of cooperatives.

– Galli Monastyreva: Women’s movements in Africa are incredibly powerful. African women are very active — in business and in sociopolitical life. And in terms of mentality and priorities, we’re much closer to them than we are to the West. For Africans, family is everything. Just like it is for us. As our President says, “Family is the foundation of all........

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