The role of women in the modern world was discussed at the Vitebsk Oblast Media Center
"PRO Women: From Personal Brand to Family Happiness" – this was the title of a roundtable discussion held at the Vitebsk Oblast Media Center, dedicated to the Year of Belarusian Women.
The speakers, who were well-known women successful in their professions, public and personal lives, discussed how modern women can successfully combine career and family happiness, and what events are planned in the Vitebsk region for the Year of Belarusian Women.
Marina Novitskaya, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work and Youth Affairs of the Oblast Executive Committee, Chairperson of the regional organization of the Belarusian Women's Union, recalled the saying: "It's good when you go to work with pleasure, and it's great when you return home with the same pleasure."
– This is the harmony that many women possess. They feel satisfaction from their professional achievements and warm their family hearth with love, – emphasized Marina Novitskaya and spoke about some projects being implemented during the Year of Belarusian Women.
In particular, the project "Turning Point of Fate" is aimed at supporting women whose children have found themselves in difficult situations or have committed unlawful acts. Their mothers need psychological help and expert advice. The youth wing of the primary organization of the Belarusian Women's Union of the Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine initiated an interesting project – animal therapy. Students bring their pets to visit Family-Type Homes and orphanages. Recently, a large regional marathon "Oh, Woman – You are Peace!" was launched, which positions women as hardworking individuals and keepers of the family hearth and peace.
Vera Astapenko, Deputy Head of the Committee for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Oblast Executive Committee, added that the Oblast Executive Committee has developed a comprehensive plan of events dedicated to the Year of Belarusian Women. These include various forums, presentation platforms, international meetings with the participation of representatives from different countries, and honoring hardworking women and mothers with many children.
– Of course, social support will also play a big role within all the events. Today, 580,000 women live in the Vitebsk region. Great attention is paid to mothers raising children. Belarus is the only country that has 11 types of benefits, and their amounts are increasing. For example, upon the birth of a child, payments have increased by 19.5%. If a third child is born, the family has the full right to receive family capital. There are 35.5 thousand such families in the Vitebsk region, – noted Vera Astapenko.
Oksana Starantsova, Head of Branch No. 3 of Women's Clinic No. 3 in Vitebsk, laureate of the "Woman of the Year-2024" competition, focused on motherhood.
– The age of the first pregnancy and childbirth should be within 25 years. The earlier this happens, the more opportunities there will be to become a mother again and again. Everything is being done in our country to ensure full medical care for the mother and future child. Family planning offices have been established at each medical institution, where a young woman together with her partner decides when they want to become parents and how to prepare for it, – explained Oksana Starantsova.
Lyudmila Getovt, Director of OOO "Gelendzhik", Chairperson of the united organization of business entities of BSZh in Vitebsk and the Vitebsk region, spoke about the realization of women in business.
– We have opened a branch for women entrepreneurs in Polotsk, headed by a mother of six children. Isn't this an example of a successful combination of business qualities and family happiness?! Representatives of the business community actively participate in social projects, help children with disabilities and social shelters. A very interesting project is "Growth Practice," within which we help young people bring their business ideas to life. To date, 78 people have become participants, including representatives from the Vitebsk region. A businesswoman is the soul, the desire to give people her knowledge, skills, and kindness, – Lyudmila Getovt expressed her opinion.
Young mothers Anna Onishchenko and Evgenia Shrubikova shared their happiness as women and mothers.
