The Third Women’s Political Leadership Academy took place in Prague from September 13 to 18. It was held for the second consecutive year through the joint efforts of the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, and the Prague Regional Office of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.
Eleven Belarusian women from Poland, Lithuania, and Germany took part in the six-day training. There were five applicants for each place this year.
The program aimed to prepare women with political experience for more active participation in civic and political processes and for representing the Belarusian democratic community at the national and international levels.
The theoretical component covered political science, conflict studies, and community building, while practical sessions focused on advocacy, public speaking, personal branding, and protocol. Participants met with foreign diplomats and Czech women politicians, including:
- Věra Jourová, former Vice-President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency;
- Magda Vášáryová, former Slovak presidential candidate;
- Katerina Demetrashvili and Gabriela Svárovská, Czech MPs.
The participants also visited the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Embassy, the American Center in Prague, and the HQ of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The Women’s Political Leadership Academy provided participants with both knowledge and practical tools for their future work. An understanding of political processes, media skills, and personal branding are among the competencies that strengthen women’s voices in politics and help them reach wider audiences.
Meetings with European and Czech politicians and members of the diplomatic community gave participants direct contacts that could lay the groundwork for future international cooperation. Another important outcome was the network of mutual support built among the participants themselves: 11 women from different cities and professional backgrounds are returning home ready to support one another in their work.
