During the Women Empowerment & Democracy for Belarus Forum 2025, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Maria Malmer Stenergard announced the launch of a new leadership development program for Belarusian women, supported by the Swedish government.
Ten women leaders were selected through an open call, including journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and cultural figures. They will now begin an intensive program with training sessions and meetings across different countries.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya expressed her hope that the program will become a regular, ongoing initiative:
“This solidarity will shape a new Belarus – a country where women will no longer be pushed aside or silenced. Where they will feel safe at home, respected at work, and free to express their views. A Belarus where girls grow up knowing they can become anyone they want to be”.
In addition, during the meeting with Tsikhanouskaya, Ms. Malmer Stenergard announced that Sweden will increase its support for independent media, allocate funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the European Humanities University, human rights and cultural initiatives, and civil society.
It was also announced that Sweden will cooperate with Belarusian human rights defenders to launch a summer camp program for the children of political prisoners.
