In 1989, the first ever survey into a women's issue was conducted in Naberezhnye Chelny, entitled "Women: Work and Everyday Life" (sociologist E.Mashkova). In 1990, an unofficial women's group was formed which was actively involved in women's movement both nation- and world-wide. In 1992, the group was registered as "Women's Topic", in 1994, it was granted the status of a women's public association and renamed "Femina". "Femina" is an independent, non-profit organization.. "Femina" was registered on May 25, 1994 under the Public Association Act as a lokal organisation operating in Naberezhnye Chelny. The "Femina" Women's Public Organization is a non-profit, non-governmental organization of women. Started in November 1990, it is now one of the most active regional women's groups possessing the necessary intellectual, technical and creative skills.

One of the "Femina"'s founders and it's permanent director is Elena Mashkova, sociologist, Ph. D. of Economic Science.

Goals: Exercising and protecting people's civil, economic, social and cultural rights and liberties; enhancing their activity and independence; meeting their professional and amateur interests; encouraging scientific, technical and artistic creativity; taking part in charities; carrying out culturall and educational work, and any other activities not prohibited by present law.