Work in Russia: Young Brazilian people have a new training route and career abroad

Even with the slight improvement in unemployment rates in Brazil, gender inequality in the labor market persists – especially for black women. According to the IBGE, more than 7.2 million people were unemployed in the country in 2024. In the same year, Dieese pointed out that 3.7 million women were still without work, despite the drop in the vacancy rate. They continue to face lower wages, even with qualifications equivalent to those of men, and are more concentrated in low income occupations: 37% of employed women earn up to one minimum wage.

Given this scenario, a new international initiative arrives in Brazil to offer training and paid work abroad: the Work in Russia. The initiative is aimed at women aged 18 to 22 with complete high school and offers vocational training, paid work (from R $ 5,000), housing, food, airline tickets and Russian classes. The action is the result of an unprecedented partnership between the Brazilian Union of Women of São Paulo (UBM-SP) and the International Forum of Municipalities of BRICS Countries (IMBRICS).

The partnership was formalized on February 8, during the UBM-SP planning meeting, in Nazaré Paulista. “It’s an excellent opportunity for study, apart from the experience of living with other cultures, other peoples. The only negative thing is cold, but in life nothing is easy, right?”, Commented Claudia Rodrigues, president of UBM-SP.

The program takes place in the city of Alábuga, in the Republic of Tartarman, Russia – headquarters of the 16th BRICS summit. The region houses one of the most modern special economic zones (ZES) in Europe, focusing on high -tech industries and chemical, agricultural and automotive transformation. There, participants work in areas such as logistics, hospitality, industrial production and food industry, with the possibility of career progression.

“A new profession, a new language, a new life”

In an interview with Red portalHenrique Domingues, assistant chief of the Brics Municipalities and Program Ambassador in Brazil, explained that the proposal arose from the need to qualify labor for industries installed in Aláboga. “The expectation for young Brazilian women is that, minimally, they can learn a new language, which is Russian, and gradually graduate in some of the areas of the program,” he said.

Henrique also highlighted the concern with the cultural adaptation of the participants. “Changing country is always a difficult process. Therefore, the program includes cultural integration activities, museum visits and Russian classes, which facilitates adaptation,” he said. According to him, Brazilians usually adapt well to Russian culture, and there is a Brazilian community in the region that is well integrated.

In addition to professional and cultural experience, the program offers various possibilities for continuity: from being effective at ZES, joining the Technical University of Aláboga (which offers courses in robotics, automation and programming), until returning to Brazil with a new profession and international experience.

Fighting Gender Inequality

One of the main focuses of the program is gender equity. “Many BRICS guidelines deal with inequality between men and women in the job market. Work in Russia was created precisely to expand professional opportunities for young women, offering a fairer position over men,” Henrique explained.

For Brazil, the benefits are also long term. The program can bring back qualified professionals, open doors to partnerships with Russian industries and foster the internationalization of Brazilian companies. “We have already started contacts with universities, technical schools and other institutions to make this process continuous,” he added.

Cutting -edge installations and direct monitoring

Young girls will live in modern residential condominiums with 24h security and facial identification system. According to Domingues, who visited the facilities, the structural level is of excellence: “It is the most successful special economic zone in all of Europe. Participants show mastery of language and have a very positive relationship with the mentors.”

The first Brazilian women are finalizing procedures and should board in the coming days. The program has the support of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Brazilian Embassy in Russia, reinforcing the security and seriousness of the initiative.

Who can participate

The program is aimed at Brazilian women aged 18 to 22, with complete high school. It is necessary to have a valid passport and willingness to learn the 100 basic words in Russian required in the selection. Candidates undergo interviews, simulation games and medical examinations. The entire documentation process is guided by the HR team of the Alábuga Economic Zone.

After the starting period of 6 months, those who stand out may have the contract renewed for up to 4 years, progressing in functions with greater responsibility and salary. There is also the possibility of continuing studies at the Polytechnic College of Aláboga and pursuing a technical or managerial career – or undertaking, based on the acquired training.

The program is already developed in countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, and has potential for expansion. For now, it continues exclusively to women. According to Henrique, the goal is to ensure that the BRICS guideline about equity in the job market is really put into practice.

Registration

For more information and registration, visit: https://startworld.alabuga.ru/en/