Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Women celebrated its 30th anniversary

A ceremonial event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union was held today at the P. Masherov Vitebsk State University.

The best representatives of the region's women's movement were awarded with certificates of honour and letters of gratitude from the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, local authorities, representatives of departments, and public associations with which long-standing and fruitful cooperation has been established.

During the celebration, the Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Vladimir Terentyev, drew attention to the creative and consolidating role of the women's council. The organization was formed during the collapse of the Soviet Union and was intended to unite active and caring women, which it has continued to do for 30 years.

– Today, it is a powerful structure that truly unites society, and sometimes shows us men how to find solutions to specific problems through warmth and kindness. The organization does a lot for children, families, and the elderly. It is no coincidence that many successful women are members of its ranks, who help with all their heart, not necessarily because it is prestigious or fashionable now, but because they are capable of solving these issues, and they prove it every time, – emphasized the head of the Vitebsk region's parliamentary corps.

As noted by Elena Martynova, Chairperson of the regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union, in addition to promoting traditional moral values, family foundations, protecting childhood and motherhood, and enhancing the role of women in modern realities, public activists are always among the first to respond to important events in the country and their region. For example, since the beginning of the coronavirus infection pandemic, representatives of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union have provided assistance to medical institutions, demonstrated personal examples of vaccination against COVID-19, and collected items and food for refugees on the Belarusian-Polish border. Women from Vitebsk have initiated local projects to support women in difficult life situations and even men who are raising children alone.

– Today, a woman is, as always, a mother, a wife, and at the same time an active member of modern society, a leader, a political figure... The world rests on women. And the most important thing is that we, the women of Belarus, are together. That is our strength, – said Elena Martynova.

Currently, about 500 primary organisations of the Belarusian Women's Union (BSZh) operate at enterprises, organisations, and institutions in the region, including in workforces where men constitute the majority. One such example is the primary organisation of OJSC Naftan.

– At our large enterprise, women make up about 30% of the workforce, but this is a powerful, vibrant percentage that sets an important vector for the good deeds and charity of the entire team. We have a large number of large families, there is a correctional and developmental centre in the city, a social shelter – we have people to help, and a cohesive team of initiative women ready to do it. I consider the award I received today to be a merit of the entire Novopolotsk Women's Council, which is a very strong organisation, – emphasised Yulia Samoilenko, the leader of the primary organisation of OJSC Naftan.

Recently, the Women's Council has been actively involving young people in its work. The youth wing of the Belarusian Women's Union in Vitebsk is headed by public activist, senior lecturer at the Department of Oncology with a course of advanced training and professional retraining of VSMU, Olga Danilova. The structural unit under her leadership unites female students and young employees from all universities in the city, and colleges will soon join them. Initiatives include campaigns for the prevention of coronavirus infection and other socially significant diseases among peers, and charitable events for people with disabilities and orphans. For instance, representatives of the youth wing are currently collecting New Year's gifts for the pupils of the Vitebsk Children's Home. In the future, a project is planned to help women of all ages and family circumstances feel beautiful and confident, with psychologists, cosmetologists, and other specialists responsible for transforming the participants.

– Although our wing has only been operating since autumn, we can already see that young people are actively getting involved and there is a positive response to the campaigns and events of the Belarusian Women's Union in which they participate. In turn, it is important for us that values such as family, marriage, and children, promoted by the public association, are among the priorities for modern girls, and that they perceive life not through Instagram and other social networks or smartphones, but engage in good deeds in real life, – explained Olga.

The women's movement in the Vitebsk region unites over 10,000 representatives from various fields and age groups. At the same time, the public organization allows individuals to express themselves beyond their professional competencies and domestic sphere, engaging in socio-political activities, charity, socially significant projects, creative pursuits, and much more.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by