On the eve of International Women’s Day, the civic initiative “Association of Women Political Prisoners ‘Pobach’” began its work. More than 30 women have joined it, the founders told Reform.news.
Not all women participating in the initiative are ready to act publicly. The initiative will be represented by Volha Filatchenkava, Alana Gebremariam, and Alesia Bunevich.
At present, Pobach does not have official registration and operates as a civic initiative.
“The initiative is being created by women who went through imprisonment in penal colonies in order to support one another and unite efforts to defend the rights and dignity of women who have faced political persecution,” they explained.
According to the representatives of Pobach, the goal of the association is “to create a community of mutual support for former women political prisoners, their relatives, and everyone who does not remain indifferent to the problem of politically motivated repression.”
The initiative plans to develop programs of psychological and social support, information campaigns, and to create a space for solidarity and mutual assistance.
“Pobach seeks to make the voices of women who experienced imprisonment and pressure more audible. Participants in the initiative will share their experiences, support those who are still behind bars, and help ensure that the stories of these women are not forgotten,” the initiative said.
Among the main areas of activity are:
- mutual support and rehabilitation of former prisoners;
- psychological assistance;
- information and human rights advocacy;
- development of a solidarity network.
The initiative is open to cooperation with human rights organizations, civic initiatives, and anyone ready to support women who have suffered from political persecution.
The name “Pobach” symbolizes the association’s core value — being next to one another in the most difficult circumstances and not leaving anyone alone to face hardships.
The initiative has an Instagram page @pobach.association.
