MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) – We suggest arranging women’s military exercises and setting up regiments in Belarus, primarily focused on providing first aid, Chairwoman of the Belarusian Women’s Union Olga Shpilevskaya said as she addressed Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at a meeting to mark Day of People’s Unity on 17 September, BelTA has learned.
The chairwoman noted that the Belarusian women’s organization works in many areas. This includes various social projects, assistance to children with disabilities, the promotion of family values, and much more. “Every woman thinks about preventing war. We are for peace and we are doing everything in our country is peaceful and stable. No one should doubt that,” she said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko agreed, noting that as soon as a man and a woman have a child, they become completely different people: “Because for real parents, the entire world revolves around their children.They want them to live peaceful lives, not waste them in some filthy trench. So, yes. Children and family are very important.”
Olga Shpilevskaya assured that women are keen to stand alongside men in military affairs as well. She recounted that the other day, some 40 women underwent training at an Interior Ministry base, which included instruction in shooting and drone operation. “But, most importantly, we learned to provide first aid. We have set up people’s volunteer corps in Belarus. These units are training and being assembled. This is all excellent. But we, women, want to ask for your support, as we suggest the military also arrange women’s exercises and set up regiments. So that we can provide the first aid and save the lives of our husbands, sons, and so on, if necessary. Because God forbid anything happens…This will be also very useful even in peacetime,” the chairwoman said.
She emphasized that about 54% of Belarus’ population are women. “And we, women, believe me, in the face of any threat, are ready to stand alongside men to defend our land. This is not about political ambitions. Every woman understands perfectly well that the greatest value she has is her land. It is the land where her home is, where her family is. It is the land where her children will be born,” Olga Shpilevskaya said. “I do not want to see headlines in opposition media tomorrow saying Lukashenko calls up women. I want headlines that say women ask Lukashenko to call them up.”
“Olga, war is a man’s domain. That is my position,” Aleksandr Lukashenko gave a short and clear answer. These words were met with applause by the participants.
However, the president agreed that, should the interest exist, it is possible to arrange training to gain some basic skills. “If anything happens, God forbid, these skills may be useful. As my mother used to say, knowledge is never a burden. So, learning things, providing first aid... I get it, I will instruct both military and civilian bodies to develop an appropriate program. If that is what you want, then very well,” he said.
“We do. We really do,” Olga Shpilevskaya confirmed.
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