Women’s Resistance in Belarus: A Documentary Perspective

Volia Chajkouskaya, a Belarusian filmmaker now residing in Estonia, is set to premiere her documentary *Not Made for Politics* at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. The film explores the pivotal role of women in the anti-government protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994 and is often referred to as "Europe’s last dictator." The documentary focuses on three women who have emerged as key figures in the struggle for democracy in Belarus, particularly during the 2020 uprising, which was marked by widespread allegations of electoral fraud and subsequent protests.

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The 2020 protests in Belarus were ignited by allegations of vote-rigging in the presidential election. Chajkouskaya, who was in Tallinn at the time, became involved in volunteer activism to support free elections. She noted the emergence of strong female leaders, particularly Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who took over her husband’s campaign after he was arrested. The documentary highlights how women organized significant marches, challenging the regime's narrative and showcasing their resilience in the face of violence and repression.

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Chajkouskaya's filmmaking journey is intertwined with her personal experiences of exile and activism. She describes the process of creating the documentary as empowering, both for herself and the women featured in it. By sharing their stories, she aims to dismantle the stereotype of women as passive victims in a patriarchal society. The film serves as a platform to elevate the voices of women who have been at the forefront of the resistance against Lukashenko's regime.

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In her reflections, Chajkouskaya critiques the Belarusian government’s portrayal of the country as democratic, arguing that it is a facade designed to appease Western nations. She emphasizes the need to recognize the strength and agency of women, particularly those who have become activists and leaders in the fight for freedom. The documentary aims to challenge the perception of women in Belarus as weak and to highlight their active role in political resistance.

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While acknowledging the current stagnation of the protest movement, Chajkouskaya remains hopeful about the potential for change in Belarus. She asserts that hope itself has become a political tool, essential for sustaining the fight against autocracy. Chajkouskaya believes that dictatorships, including Lukashenko's, are inherently unstable and will eventually collapse, although the timeline for such change is uncertain.

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Chajkouskaya has expressed her commitment to continue advocating for women's rights and political freedom through her work. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity among those in exile and those still in Belarus, stating, “We must keep on hoping and staying awake, whether we are inside or outside Belarus.”

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• “It’s all “marketing’ of the regime to sell Belarus as a democratic country to the West.” — Volia Chajkouskaya, Filmmaker

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• “I really think that hope has become a political tool in today’s reality.” — Volia Chajkouskaya, Filmmaker

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• “Exactly because dictatorships are so toxic, they can not exist forever.” — Volia Chajkouskaya, Filmmaker

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Chajkouskaya's *Not Made for Politics* not only documents the struggle of Belarusian women but also serves as a testament to the resilience and courage required to challenge oppressive regimes.

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