Evgeny Rudenko, a deputy from Tarusa, Kaluga Oblast, is stirring controversy with his recent call for local women to wear mini-skirts more frequently to help boost Russia’s birth rate. On March 17, 2025, Rudenko made the bizarre suggestion on his VKontakte social media page. He argued, “Deputies of Tarusa are asking Tarusa women to wear mini-skirts more often on sunny days. For increasing the demography of Russia.”
Rudenko, who also serves as the chairman of the Housing and Communal Services Commission of the Tarusa City Duma, attached images, including one of himself clad in a leather jacket alongside a photograph of a woman wearing leather mini-skirts and high heels. His unusual approach aims to spark discussions about demographic challenges facing Russia.
Despite the playful notion, his post received intense backlash from the public, indicating the proposal struck many as impractical—or worse. The Russian Orthodox Church (RPC) branded it as “cringe,” reflecting the serious criticism aimed at his suggestion.
Online commenters took to VKontakte to voice their opinions, with some making sarcastic suggestions for male deputies to similarly refrain from wearing trousers and underwear. One user humorously proposed, “Then let’s have male deputies go without trousers and underwear for enhanced demographic growth. Sorry, but this isn’t even funny... It’s beyond the pale.”
Several responses criticized Rudenko for seemingly trivializing serious societal issues. They expressed concern over how his comments might affect perceptions of women. A fellow user remarked, “Evgeny, think about how girls feel when they read such statements. This is complete cringe; you’re an adult, and why do you allow yourself to objectify women?”
Rudenko, unfazed, attempted to defend his assertions. He noted, referencing the past, “Back in the 70s, everyone wore mini-skirts, and marriages were strong.” He elaborated, “Real guys like it when girls walk around in mini,” adding to the controversial nature of his comments.
The discussion has pricked the conscience of the nation at large, with many feeling Rudenko’s words highlight broader societal attitudes surrounding gender and the challenges of modern family values. Many experts weighed on the matter as well, emphasizing real demographic improvements require comprehensive support systems, such as affordable housing and family-friendly policies, rather than focusing solely on fashion.
Some users supported Rudenko's idea, arguing fashion influences societal perceptions significantly. They contended changing styles could uplift morale and encourage community spirit. This common belief accentuates the role of fashion not just as personal expression but as a medium influencing public opinion.
Despite the backlash, Rudenko’s post gathered over 300 comments, sparking dialogues on social media about pressing issues of family values and support for young families. His comments also generated discussions on the necessity of creating conditions conducive to family life rather than superficial methods to stimulate demographics.
The scandal surrounding Rudenko's comments has spread beyond local discussion, with numerous media outlets reporting the incident and dissecting public responses. While some continue to ridicule Rudenko’s stance, others argue it’s encouraged discussions about the societal expectations placed on women, as well as broader themes of familial stability and birth rates.
Rudenko's proposal serves as cautionary fodder in the discourse around gender roles and societal expectations. It subtly highlights the need for more thoughtful and strategic approaches when tackling complex issues like Russia's declining birth rate. This conversation, ignited by Rudenko’s unusual call to action, encourages reflections on societal norms and the way individuals express their identities through clothing and behavior.
Moving forward, the discourse surrounding Rudenko’s mini-skirt manifesto will likely serve as both entertainment and as fuel for serious examination of the underlying societal issues. It's apparent the approach taken by Rudenko is contentious, yet it raises the question, how can society genuinely address the real challenges behind Russia's demographic crisis?