How does one imagine a feminist movement? Traditionally feminist movements have been about campaigning for reproductive rights, equal pay, women’s suffrage, protesting to increase awareness of sexual harassment, domestic violence and many other issues affecting women’s lives. Yet, in Ukraine this has taken on a new form – topless protest.
The Femen movement came into existence in 2008 in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev. It united a small number of young female students from nearby universities who were disappointed with the social, political and economic situation of women in Ukraine. Their main goals are: to raise awareness of the issues affecting women’s lives in Ukraine and to demand immediate improvement of women’s conditions by the government; to promote and defend democracy and freedom of speech as the only system in which women can flourish and be equal. Their motto: ‘come, get topless and win’. Femen activists can not only be recognized by the topless protests and the clear message written on their bodies or being held above their heads. Paradoxically the old Ukrainian symbol of feminine purity and virginity, the wreath, has also become an integral part of Femen’s image.
COME GET TOPLESS AND WIN.. -- It is their main Motto..
Femen campaigns have increased awareness of many different issues. One of the first and the most controversial has been ‘Ukraine is not a Brothel’. The series of protests under this title has criticized and opposed the international reputation of Ukraine as a country of “easy” women and “internet brides”. On the February 28, 2011, a New Zealander named Greg won a radio competition titled ‘Win a Ukrainian Wife’. “The Rock FM” radio promised to cover the cost of Greg’s travel and living expenses including 1080 Euro’s spending money. This would give him an opportunity to search for a Ukrainian wife. Dressed as brides, Femen activists were among the first to speak out against the arrival of the New Zealander. During their protest Femen activists chanted “Ukraine is not a brothel”, “Welcome to hell”, “Bride for Wildman”. The later refusal of Greg to travel to Ukraine can be partly attributed to the Femen’s actions but more importantly to the international media criticism. Even stronger and more frequent Femen protests under the title ‘Ukraine is not a Brothel’ have followed the preparations to the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, a perfect environment for the growth of the sex tourism which Femen opposes.
Their demands are twofold: the Ukrainian Parliament must introduce a law which would criminalize the actions of the buyer of sex services as well as demanding of UEFA that they fund a global anti-prostitution campaign.
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