03 March 2026, 16:54

For women, about women: Diplomatic spouses attend pre-8 March reception in Minsk

A traditional festive event dedicated to International Women's Day, organized on behalf of Natalya Ryzhenkova, the spouse of the minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Belarus, took place at the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange on 3 March. The co-organizers were the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange, the Bellegprom light industry concern and the National School of Beauty. The event was attended by the spouses of heads of diplomatic missions accredited in the Republic of Belarus and also the women who are heads of embassies and offices of international organizations.

Holding such meetings in the run-up to 8 March has become a good tradition. Each year, the venue is a significant location for the country, reflecting the key areas of development of the Belarusian state and society. This format allows, in a warm and open atmosphere, to consistently introduce foreign partners to various aspects of life in modern Belarus: economy, industry, culture, and public initiatives.

This time, the event was themed around the Year of the Belarusian Women. The focus was on light industry and the production of goods for women and about women. This sector is an important area of the national economy, combining historical traditions, modern technologies, and high export potential.

In her speech, Natalya Ryzhenkova noted the symbolic significance of holding this year's meeting during the Year of the Belarusian Women, when the role of women in the social and economic life of the country is being emphasized at the state level. The initiatives being implemented are aimed at supporting women’s projects, expanding opportunities for professional fulfillment, and strengthening the family institution.

“It has already become our good tradition to gather together ahead of International Women's Day in such a warm diplomatic circle, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and interest in the culture, traditions, and achievements of our countries. To get to know Belarus even better,” Natalya Ryzhenkova said. “The choice of venue is symbolic. The commodity exchange is a space of energy and development, international contacts and new partnerships. Here ideas are born, trust is strengthened, and prospects are shaped. It is this creative dynamic that is especially consonant with the theme of our event because we want to present Belarus through a special lens - the creative power of women, their talents, wisdom, professionalism, and striving for excellence.”

“In Belarus, 2026 is a year marked by special attention to women, to their role in society, the family, and economy. Since you are now working in Belarus together with your families, this is also your year. The Year of the Women, declared on the initiative of the Belarusian president, is not just a symbolic decision. It is about specific programs to support women’s initiatives, strengthen motherhood and family values, and expand opportunities for Belarusian women's professional fulfillment. It is important that these are not formal declarations, but systemic work in all areas of Belarusian society. These measures create real conditions for professional growth, economic activity, and women’s participation in the vital processes of the country, while remaining loving mothers and wives, creating coziness in their homes,” Natalya Ryzhenkova said. “For women to comfortably fulfill themselves and walk beautifully through life, Belarusian industry creates a wide range of products for them, focusing on quality and style. Many of you know and love our Belarusian goods, but today I wanted to once again show their diversity - clothing, cosmetics, accessories that are exported to dozens of countries around the world and are valued for their quality, reliability, and reserved aesthetics. For example, Belarus is among the world leaders in the production of linen fabrics.”

The event featured flagship enterprises of the industry: elegant clothing from Elema, leather goods from Galanteya, fabrics and yarn from Kamvol, linen from Orsha Linen Mill, cosmetics from Vitex and Relouis, Luch watches manufactured by Minsk Watch Factory, and porcelain from Dobrush Porcelain Factory.

Natalya Ryzhenkova introduced head of Bellegprom Concern, Nadezhda Lazarevich. “She helped us organize today's event and now she will tell us in more detail about all the brands and trends. A special atmosphere to the evening is also added by the participation of the National School of Beauty - a showcase of Belarusian-made attire, in all its elegance, quality, and modern style. These are spring looks from Belarusian enterprises Elema, Znamya Industrializatsii, 8 Marta, a women's clothing collection from the Kamvol company under the Lemongrass brand, Belarusian president’s merch and pieces from Belarusian designers. It is important to us that through the products you see, you feel the character of our nation and the Belarusian woman: reserved, reliable, open to cooperation."

Natalya Ryzhenkova expressed her wish that this meeting would become another step towards strengthening friendship and establishing new mutually beneficial economic ties.

The participants were also addressed by Aleksandr Osmolovsky, Chairman of the Board of the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange, and Nadezhda Lazarevich, Chairwoman of Bellegprom Concern. They spoke about the specifics of the BUCE’s operations, its role in the development of international cooperation and modern achievements and opportunities of the Belarusian light industry.

Nadezhda Lazarevich noted that it is precisely the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange that sells many Belarusian goods, including Belarusian linen and leather products, which are renowned for their high quality.