The Belarusian leader began her working trip to Denmark by speaking at a Danish Foreign Policy Society panel discussion. Ms. Tsikhanouskaya shared her views on true courage and spoke on being not only the Belarusian leader but also a symbol of democracy and women’s leadership.
Here are some of the highlights from Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s speech:
📌 “Courage means confronting one’s fear, especially in the struggle for freedom and democracy. Every day brings new challenges, and facing them requires inner strength. It’s not about not feeling any fear but about overcoming it to move forward”.
📌 “My role as a representative of the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people is something I take very seriously. It took time and effort for me to learn but I have always defended the rights and freedoms of Belarusians”.
📌 “Leadership is a tremendous responsibility and a role I did not expect. Every day, I feel inspired by Belarusians, especially women, who stand at the forefront of our struggle. Being perceived as a symbol of democracy and women’s leadership strengthens my determination to persist in the struggle for Belarus, where gender does not determine one’s leadership opportunities”.
📌 “Belief in the strength and resilience of the Belarusian people is what supports me. Their courage and determination are what gives me strength. Knowing that we are fighting for a just cause, for our children’s future in Belarus, gives me the energy to keep moving forward despite the challenges”.