Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has begun her working visit to the United States. In New York, she took part in the WPL Future Positive Reception organized by the Women Political Leaders. The event took place within the framework of the UN General Assembly for the 13th year and brought together presidents, ministers, MPs, and mayors from around the world, as well as WPL network ambassadors, to discuss strengthening women’s influence in politics and increasing their representation at all levels of power.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya shared her political experience and spoke about how Belarusian women demonstrated their strength in 2020.
- Women’s role in the revolution
“Our revolution was never only about women’s rights. It was and remains about universal rights. We demanded simple things: free elections, respect for human rights, and freedom. For these demands, women are imprisoned, tortured, raped, and held incommunicado. Just recently, I met with released women – they are physically exhausted but morally unbroken. And I am so proud that the Belarusian people, and women in particular, continue the struggle – both in exile and underground in Belarus”.
- Women’s solidarity
“You know, during my political career, I have learned a lot. The first lesson is that the path to democracy is usually not a sprint but a marathon. And women know how to go the long distance – when we have a goal, we are focused and united. I also realized that solidarity is a true force and women are unstoppable when it comes to solidarity”.
