VCIOM-SPUTNIK daily omnibus survey data suggest that the most beautiful women are close women (mothers, sisters, wives, and girlfriends). To bring joy to them on the Women’s Day men will give them flowers, cosmetics and jewelry first.

MOSCOW, March 7, 2017.  In anticipation of the International Women’s Day, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the results of a survey devoted to Russian women.

One will definitely never find an ugly woman. But who is the prettiest one? The national rating of the most beautiful women who have ever lived in Russia is headed by those women who are close (mothers, sisters, girlfriends, women); they were mentioned by 5% of respondents. The second position is held by Elina Bystritskaya, People's Artist of the USSR, (3%). Oxana Fedorova, Valentina Tereshkova, Sofia Rotaru, Valentina Matvienko and Alina Kabaeva obtained 2% of votes (each).

Asked to name the smartest Russian woman, 7% of respondents mention Valentina Tereshkova, 6% - Valentina Matvienko; a further 6% cite female acquaintances. Remarkably, a historic figure, Empress Catherine II (the Great) is considered to be the smartest Russian woman.  

Half of Russians (52%) will give flowers as a gift (65% of men); 41% of women). The most popular presents also include perfumery, cosmetics (31% of respondents; 37% of women vs 25% of men), sweets, spirits and delicatessen (23% of respondents; 29% vs 16, respectively), and souvenirs (15%; 22% of women and 7% of men), concert tickets (11%), money (11%; 15% of men vs. 8% or women).

A considerable deviation from the sample mean is marked across gift options such as jewelry (9%; 18% of men and 2% of women), mobile phones (5%; 9% of men, 3% of women). Only 9% of male respondents report not to plan to give anything for the International Women’s Day.

The most popular way for men to select a gift is “guessing” (thinking over what to give) (29%) and “finding out” (direct question) (25%). Interestingly, over the recent five years the share of men who give money letting the woman buy what she wants has almost doubled  (10% in 2012; 19% in 2017).

The Sputnik omnibus survey was conducted on March 2-3, 2017, using stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of landline and mobile phone numbers operating in Russia, and involved 1200 respondents. Russians aged 18 and over took part in the survey.  The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 3.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.

 In 2011-2012 household surveys were carried out.

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