28.02.2025

Photo: Galina Mikhaleva / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

On the evening of 27 February, Galina Mikhailovna Mikhaleva, founder and Chairperson of the Gender Faction of the Yabloko party, doctor of political sciences, professor at the Russian State University for the Humanities, passed away after a serious illness.

Galina Mikhaleva was an outstanding public figure, human rights defender, academic and politician. She devoted her entire life to the struggle for democracy, equality and women’s rights in Russia.

Galina Mikhaleva combined her academic and teaching activities with active participation in politics. She was a doctor of political sciences and professor and taught at leading universities in Russia, Germany and Switzerland. She founded and headed the Gender Faction of the Yabloko party, the only such structure among Russian political associations. She was known and respected as a recognised leader of the women’s rights movement in Russia. Galina Mikhaleva consistently and persistently sought equal opportunities for women in politics, society, at work and in the family, believing that only equality can become the basis of a just society.

Her tirelessness, principled stand and intellectual strength inspired and will inspire her colleagues and friends. She was not afraid to tell the truth, argue, and defend her beliefs, even when it went against the prevailing trends.

Galina Mikhailovna’s passing away is a heavy loss for everyone who knew her personally and who shared her ideals. But her ideas and deeds will remain with us, and her example will inspire those who will continue the fight for justice and equality.

May her memory be blessed!

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko Chairman

Grigory Yavlinsky,

Chairman of the Federal Political Committee of Yabloko