Russian Women Association marks Cosmonautics Day in Dubai with Elena Serova

On April 14, Community Power in Dubai Media City hosted a special event dedicated to Cosmonautics Day. The evening was organised by the “Russian Women Association” with the support of Community Power Dubai, the Russian Business Council, Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots (KSORS).

Titled “Woman Beyond Gravity,” the event’s concept served as its intellectual core, connecting the theme of space exploration with the evolving role of women today. At its heart were ideas of inner resilience, the ability to make decisions in uncertainty, and the power to shape one’s own future.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from distinguished guests, including Arina Berg of Community Power Dubai; Alexander Bashkin, representative of Rossotrudnichestvo in the UAE and the Gulf region; Elena Tarilova, Chair of KSORS; and Kirill Podgorny, Chairman of the Russian Business Council in the UAE.

The highlight of the programme was an online conversation with Hero of Russia and cosmonaut Elena Serova. In an engaging dialogue, she shared her personal journey, reflections on her spaceflight experience, and insights into discipline, responsibility, and inner strength – qualities essential both in orbit and on Earth.

A special highlight was the participation of actor Alexander Samoylenko, known for his role in “The Challenge” – the first feature film in history to be partially shot in space. He offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the project, discussing the emotional intensity of the filming process and its significance as both a cultural and technological milestone.

The evening concluded with a private screening of “The Challenge”, reinforcing the event’s central theme: pushing beyond limits and unlocking human potential.

According to Yulia Podgornaya, Chair of the “Russian Women Association,” the event successfully fulfilled its goal of creating a space for dialogue, inspiration, and reflection on the role of women in a rapidly changing world.

“Today, it is important to speak about women not through a set of roles, but through the scale of personality, inner strength, and the ability to move forward even when there are no ready answers. These are the ideas we set out to explore through this evening,” she noted.

The “Russian Women Association” continues to develop initiatives aimed at bringing women together, strengthening a dynamic professional and social community, and creating platforms for meaningful exchange of experience and ideas.