"Women's social and political activity" is based on extensive empirical materials of sociological studies made before and after the USSR collapse. The data accumulated during this period permit to follow up evolving value orientation trends among women towards social and political activities under current conditions of socially transforming Russian society. Analyzing related empirical data, the author strives to show also major specifics in change and contents of Russia's women orientations towards the above mentioned activities. The orientations are closely linked, on the one hand, to freedom of choice and, on the other, to lacking meaningful experience in fighting for women political rights.