Sofi Oksanen links sexual violence policies from Soviet times to modern Russia
- Sofi Oksanen connects the past suffering of women under Soviet rule to the present situations in Ukraine.
- Her work highlights the use of sexual violence as a political tool by both regimes.
- The ongoing legacy of these traumatic experiences demands recognition and a call for justice.
In Finland, writer Sofi Oksanen, aged 48, has drawn parallels between the treatment of women under the Soviet secret police and the experiences of women in modern Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine. Through her work, she illustrates how sexual violence has been employed as a tool of oppression and control, serving as a common thread between the two eras. The painful legacy of the Soviet regime remains evident, as women in Ukraine face similar fates today under the Kremlin. Oksanen's narrative connects historical trauma with contemporary violations, underscoring the enduring impact of such brutality on women's lives and their societal roles. As key figures like Oksanen speak out, it becomes increasingly crucial to recognize and address these issues, aiming for justice and healing for the affected populations. The fight against gender-based violence continues to resonate, as the consequences of such policies extend beyond individual suffering, influencing broader societal dynamics and contributing to ongoing cycles of violence and dehumanization in regions affected by conflict.