Muza Morozova, librarian

Of course not. Look at the Duma. Where are the women? Men rule there. At work, who gets paid less? Who gets sacked first? Women do! What kind of equality is this? [Vice Prime Minister] Valentina Matviyenko and [Duma Deputy] Irina Khakamada just sit there and show off in front of TV audiences. Even in Soviet times, with so-called equality for all, women were not equal. ... Men ruled, and women came second. I doubt it will change any time soon. I can't see men shedding an ounce of their power.

Sergei Lukyanov, student

I think that men and women are equal now. And so it should be, because both men and women are one flesh and blood, human. Of course, if you compare Russia and Western developed countries, over there, women enjoy more equality. There you can have women as prime ministers, say, and they are treated more like equals. When I get married one day, my wife will have a choice between working or staying at home. If she chooses work, we can share tasks at home. I think it's only fair.

Svetlana Borodina, student

Not yet. We haven't come to a situation where women stand on par with men. Men won't allow it. On the other hand, many women like to perceive themselves as the weaker sex. I don't know who is to blame here, the men or women. … But I personally stand for equality. I experienced discrimination myself once when I tried to enroll in a law course. Eight out of 10 successful candidates were boys. It was not fair. But there's hope. The situation is changing. Look at the government – there are women there already.

Osenina, crane operator

It's difficult to say. On one hand, there's equality. Women have changed and become more active and demanding. It must be that way. Women should have equal rights in education and careers. I would like to see that very much. On the other hand, I have seen a lot of discrimination in my life because I am a female. Look at the power structures, too. You won't see that many women there. We have to elect more women; they are trustworthy.

Yury Karpov, construction worker

Today, I think we can speak of equality between men and women in theory. However, in reality, it's not always observed. As for the question whether women should work or sit at home devoting themselves to their families – it's the personal choice of every woman. Whatever she feels is more comfortable and appropriate for her. … If we both come home from work tired, we would simply do things about the house together.

Valentin Ivanov, locksmith

I don't think equality as such exists in life. It's some sort of absurd invention of great philosophers. ... Every person is equal only to him or herself, regardless of whether we are talking about a man or a woman. The personality itself, that's what matters. As for sexual discrimination, it varies from country to country. In the U.S., feminists get offended when helped with a coat, and they exercise their vengeance on all men who treat women gallantly. We haven't come to this yet, but we will soon.