Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya issued a statement for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. She stressed the need to build a Belarus where women can return home without fear, work without pressure or humiliation, and where the state is not a source of violence.
“Today we speak about violence in all its forms: physical, psychological, political. About those women who have faced domestic violence and were forced to seek protection where it often does not exist. About those who endured humiliation and discrimination at work. About women who lost their freedom for their civic stance, went through interrogations, pressure, threats and even violence. And about those who, despite fear and danger, continue to fight for truth and freedom.
Belarusian women show incredible resilience every day: they carry the burden of family, work, community initiatives, they support the people around them and our country in the most difficult times.
And today I want to say to every woman: you are not alone. We are near. We are together. And if you are in danger — do not choose silence. No woman should be left alone with violence. If you face threats, pressure or insults, seek help: from trusted relatives, from social and human rights organisations, from support services. Asking for protection is not a weakness.
We must build a Belarus where no woman will be afraid to return home. Where she can work without humiliation and pressure. Where the state will not be a source of violence but, on the contrary, a guarantor of protection. Where every person, regardless of gender, can live freely, safely and with a sense of dignity.”