MINSK, 15 July (BelTA) – More than 50,000 Belarusian women have signed the anti-sanctions letter of the Belarusian Women's Union addressed to women's organizations of the world, BelTA learned from Yelena Bogdan, the head of the Belarusian Women's Union.
The address was signed by members of the Belarusian Women's Union and other women and even men, she said. “It is with concern and outrage that the Belarusian Women's Union has been watching the incessant political and economic pressure on Belarus,” Yelena Bogdan said. “Women, like no one else, understand what sanctions against our country can lead to. Sanctions will affect the well-being of people, each of the citizens of our country, our parents, our children, grandchildren, and ourselves,” she added.
“There are attempts to get us and our families mired in economic crisis forcing Belarus to change its path of development for the benefit of someone else's geopolitical interests, in violation of international law,” the address reads. "More than 25 years ago, we chose to build sovereign Belarus as a fair welfare state that prioritizes people's interests. This choice was once again supported by the majority of Belarusians in the 2020 presidential election. We want the voices of Belarusian women to be heard. Our voices are the voices of our children and we are ready to fight for their future. Please, hear the voice of reason, the voice of conscience! You have families and kids too. We do not ask for mercy. We just want to live and work peacefully in our country, under our flag, by our laws. Any attempts to put pressure on Belarus will be unsuccessful. This only binds us closer and makes us stronger. We will hold out. We have deserved, by our hard work, our history, our peaceful and open policy, the right for peace, respect and good relations with our neighbors. We are calling on all women's organizations of the world to speak up for fair treatment of the Belarusian nation. In the future, you might face what we are facing today,” the address reads.
“Those who call for sanctions and take actions against the Belarusian nation should come here and see how we live. Children attend kindergartens, teenagers and the youth go to schools and universities. Everyone has an opportunity to get education. The healthcare system is coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Every year the state finds a way to support retired people by raising retirement pensions. Streets of cities and villages are clean and cozy. Store shelves are filled with high-quality products. Belarusian gather harvest, work at enterprises and in organizations. Why does someone want to take all this away from us?” Yelena Bogdan said.
Belarusian women are calling on all women of the world and the international community to speak up for fair treatment of the Belarusian nation, Yelena Bogdan noted. “In the future, someone might attempt to destabilize the situation in your countries as well. Let's join efforts for peace and independence of our countries,” she added.
The address of Belarusian women will be sent to the United Nations Organization.
