Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Today, we speak about violence in all its forms: physical, psychological, and political. About the women who faced domestic violence and were forced to seek protection where it often doesn’t exist. About those who endured humiliation and discrimination at work. About the women who lost their freedom for their civic stance and went through interrogations, pressure, threats, and even physical abuse. And about those who, despite fear and danger, continue to fight for truth and freedom.
Belarusian women demonstrate incredible resilience every day. They carry on their shoulders their families, their work, and civic initiatives, supporting the people around them and our country through the hardest times. And today, I want to say to every woman: you are not alone. We are here. We are together. And if you are in danger – do not choose silence. No woman should be left alone with violence.
If you face threats, pressure, or insults, seek help from trusted people close to you, from social and human rights organizations, from support services. Asking for protection is not a sign of weakness.
We must build a Belarus where no woman is afraid to return home. Where she can work without humiliation or pressure. Where the state is not a source of violence but, on the contrary, a guarantor of protection. Where every person, regardless of gender, can live freely, safely, and with dignity”.
