After the press conference in The Hague on the referral submitted by the Lithuanian government to the International Criminal Court regarding the Lukashenka regime’s crimes against humanity, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya went on a working visit to Poland. Her program included the meeting “Strengthening Women’s Voices in Security and Defense”, organized by Women in International Security as part of the Warsaw Security Forum. The forum is an important platform for women leaders and experts in international security to discuss key issues of security and peace. The annual meeting gathers leaders from more than 90 countries and various sectors: representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society, and industries.
During her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that Belarusian women have shown the world their unyielding strength, courage, and readiness to defend their rights and freedoms, even in the most difficult situations. It was women who led the protest movement in Belarus, standing up to armed security forces with nothing but courage and a desire for justice. Women like Maryia Kalesnikava, Katsiaryna Andreyeva, and Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk continue their fight even behind bars.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “One thing I’ve learned about women is that we are excellent at multitasking. We fight for freedom, raise children, support our families, and unite communities. We can protest with one hand while holding a child in the other! This is what makes us unique. But it’s not just about multitasking. Women bring something often missing in politics – empathy. We know how to listen, understand others’ pain, and bring people together. I am proud of each one of you”.
