36 women from the Vitebsk region have been awarded the title "Woman of the Year - 2021".

The most active and dedicated women of the Vitebsk region, who have achieved success in various fields, were honored on the eve of March 8 at the regional philharmonic hall. The awards ceremony for the winners of the regional stage of the XIV Republican competition "Woman of the Year – 2021" took place here. The annual event is traditionally held on the initiative of the regional organization of the NGO "Belarusian Women's Union" and the regional executive committee.

The beneficiaries of the celebration were congratulated by Anatoly Linevich, the President's Aide – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region.

– By demonstrating yourselves as leaders in various spheres of life, you inspire us men to noble and courageous actions, and we wish to make your lives more beautiful, we cherish your desires and try to fulfill them. It is no coincidence that the word "Rodina" (Motherland) is feminine, and it is inseparable from the word "mat'" (mother). All of you – mothers, grandmothers – preserve the family hearth and give all your love, thank you for that. And it is you who are true patriots of our country, – said Anatoly Konstantinovich.

Modern Belarusian women, by contributing their personal and professional qualities to public activities, make the world a better place, support the traditional values of Belarusians – family, peace, and creation – and strengthen unity in the country through their work.

– I consider the recognition of the role of public associations, which today undertake a great many functions, to be very important. And the Belarusian Women's Union is one of the most numerous and, perhaps, the most influential organizations, which has already turned 30 years old, – noted Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies.

The winners of the regional stage were 36 participants, who were nominated for awards in 9 categories. Among them are successful managers, doctors, cultural and educational figures, veterans, foster parents, and others.

In the "Active Civic Stance" nomination, Natalia Kharlashova, chairperson of the primary trade union organization of Polotsk State University, was awarded. She is the initiator of a large number of patriotic events and civic actions.

– Throughout 2021, we participated in online challenges dedicated to the Year of National Unity, rallies commemorating those who died during the war, visited former inmates of Nazi concentration camps at their homes, and tried to pay attention to veterans. We involved young people in this work. I am very grateful for the support of my home university, without which this work could not have taken place, – said Natalia Kharlashova, who is convinced that a modern woman is not only the keeper of the family hearth but also the reliable rear of the entire society.

Major of Militia Daniila Zhingel, a pensioner of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus from Sharkovshchyna, was awarded in the nomination "Veterans Don't Grow Old in Soul". Daniila Vladimirovna was at the origins of the creation and led the Sharkovshchyna district organization of the Belarusian Women's Union for about 30 years. The traditions laid down by the veteran are now continued by young people.

– This activity gives me inspiration for life, self-development, and is a stimulus in everything, – shared Daniila Vladimirovna. For many years, she headed the citizenship and migration service and worked as the director of a social shelter. Today, she heads the veteran organization of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Sharkovshchyna District Executive Committee.

The winner of the new nomination "We are Proud and We Remember", introduced for the Year of Historical Memory, was Nina Pisarenko, a veteran of labor and a Vitebsk journalist with 45 years of experience, the author of the book "Stolen Childhood, or War Through the Eyes of a Child", which was published in 2021. The publication received a high assessment from the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee and the Ministry of Education and was recommended for the patriotic education of schoolchildren.

As noted by Elena Martynova, Chairperson of the regional public organization "Belarusian Women's Union", members of the BSW make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the country every day, acting at the call of their soul and heart.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by