As a part of Women’s History and Awareness Month students can learn about the struggles and achievements of women from former communist countries.

Penka Skachkova will be presenting “Women Under Communism.”

Skachkova said her presentation will be about what happened in the 40 years of socialism and after socialism fell. Included in the presentation are the achievements and problems encountered during and after socialism in Eastern Europe up to 1989. Communism in Russia was in existence from 1917 to 1991 and in Eastern Europe from 1945 to 1989.

“Under communism women were expected to be mothers, work in jobs, and be activists. It was difficult to do all three,” Skachkova said.

The presentation will also address the increase in violence against women and sex trafficking problems that have developed since the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Achievements of women during this time period included access to day care and health care and representation in the English law and health fields.

“There was a tremendous expectation that women’s lives would improve under communism,” said Anita Shelton, chair of the history department. “When Marx wrote about women and men’s relationships under it he expected women would be liberated from economic servitude, family life, and women and men would choose careers that suited their talents and desires.”

Shelton lived in Poland between 1981 and 1984 when communism was still in existence.

Shelton said the reality of communism fell short and a double burden fell upon women who were then expected to carry the burden in the home and work full-time.

“By the time women were 35 years (old), many times they looked 50 because of all the hard work,” Shelton said.

Skachkova also said she sees the lecture as her opportunity to contribute to campus and share her background.

“I really shaped activities to focus on global issues,” said Skachkova. “My topic relates to this and my background.”