By risking her own life, Belarusian opposition leader and political activist Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has, in a very courageous way, taken upon herself the responsibility for political, social and democratic change for her country. She has insisted on a peaceful transition in Belarus. Together with other courageous people, many of them women, she has brought hope for a democratic and political change for her country. Moreover, he encouraged the EU to take a stronger stance and impose sanctions on top officials in her country and to not financially support a regime that is unmining democratic principles and civil liberties.

Upon receiving the Woman in Power Award, Sviatlana Tikhanovskaya said, “Speaking in front of you today, I feel like I am not alone. Hundreds and thousands of Belarusians stand together with me. Among them, tens of thousands of women are taking enormous risks defending their right to live in a free and democratic country. (…) I encourage all of you to keep focussing on Belarus and support us in our fight for freedom. I am very thankful to all of you for this award. It belongs to every brave woman in Belarus who fights for freedom and dignity.”