Belarusian women share heartfelt reactions as president declares 2026 Year of Belarusian Women

Social media literally exploded with millions of enthusiastic words about our country and Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who in his New Year's address declared 2026 the Year of Belarusian Women. Notably, the Belarusian leader's address resonated with women from many other countries: “Packing my bags and moving to Belarus!”, “Words of a real man”, “I've never been to your country, but I already love it with all my heart!”... Some particularly observant users even noted that no country in the world has ever dedicated an entire year to women before. What Belarusian women themselves think about this, let’s find out.

Olga Shpilevskaya, Director of the National Branch of the Intergovernmental Television and Radio Company Mir in Belarus, Chairwoman of the Belarusian Women's Union:

“Aleksandr Grigoryevich has a special attitude toward women; he has long called himself the 'women's president.' Therefore, his announcement that 2026 will be the Year of Belarusian Women was both expected and joyful. Indeed, this is a great gift from the head of state to us, Belarusian women. It is also a great tribute to the Belarusian woman.

But this is not an occasion for declarations like 'We are women, so everything is available to us and we are allowed to do anything!' It is an opportunity to showcase our Belarusian women as they truly are. To discuss our women's issues and the ways to solve them. To prove once more through actions that Belarusian women are unique, strong, and creative.

The Belarusian Women's Union is the same age as independent Belarus. The voice of our organization has always resonated loudly. We organize a large number of various events, but the main thing is not the quantity, but their quality. It is important that they address the interests of every Belarusian woman. This year, we want to pay special attention to our young women, our youth. We have our own path, on which we adhere to traditional family values. We, women, will tell the world about them.

Inna Tolkacheva, Director of Soligorsk Poultry Farm, Member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, 8th convocation:

“The head of state always supports women, starting with laws adopted to protect mothers with many children and children. In Belarus, great attention is paid to women in leadership positions, whose numbers are growing, and their work is highly valued. Nature has endowed women with the ability to do many things at once, so she could survive and preserve her offspring. That is why, in turbulent times, we adapt more quickly to changing conditions. On the other hand, if there were no men, there would be no women. God divided us, endowing men with strength and making them protectors and hunters. It is not right for a woman to take on these roles, after all, they are masculine. And for us to remain women, we need a strong male shoulder.”

Anna Kholodovich, a mother of many children:

“I was happy when I heard in the New Year’s address that the president declared 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman. Our main role is to be mothers. Children are a great joy. In total, our family is raising 15 daughters and sons, each of whom treats me with great love and respect. There is a time for the autumn harvest, when farmers gather what they sowed in spring. Well, for us, the love of our children is our most abundant harvest. As of today, our parents, mine and my husband’s, have 54 grandchildren and their first great-grandchild was born in December [2025] to my daughter. My mother’s example is priceless."

Iryna Kurachkina, silver medalist at the 2020 Olympic Games:

“When I heard that the president declared 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman, a smile appeared on my face and my heart was filled with joy. Without intending to offend anyone, I believe that the best, most beautiful, wise and charismatic women live in our country. I am truly grateful that the president has chosen to dedicate this wonderful year to Belarusian women.

I fully agree with the words of the Belarusian leader: our women have always glorified, glorify, and will continue to glorify Belarus. As an athlete, I do my utmost to win and to stand on the highest step of the podium. The mission of an athlete is to bring honor to their country on the world stage, so that its anthem is heard and its flag flies high. I wish every Belarusian woman strong health and success in achieving her goals.”

Belarusian singer Gunesh:

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to our president for declaring 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman. Though unexpected, it is truly well deserved. We all know how much attention Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] pays to the country’s demographic situation, to supporting young families, and to his boundless love for children. I am deeply glad that this year Belarusian women will stand on a pedestal of special love, respect, and care. A woman is, above all, a mother – the guardian of the family hearth, a symbol of well-being, comfort, and warmth. Upon her delicate shoulders rests the responsibility of raising children. And if we look closely, in kindergartens, schools, and hospitals, it is women who form the backbone of daily life and service.”