Since the pivotal 2020 protests, often characterized as a ‘revolution with a female face’, Belarusian President Lukashenka has intensified his embrace of neo-Soviet family policies. Concurrently, he has continued to suppress women who defy his authoritarian rule.
The regime’s approach to family policy draws inspiration from Soviet-era ideals, emphasizing traditional roles and state support for larger families. This often frames motherhood as a patriotic duty and a cornerstone of national strength. However, this emphasis stands in stark contrast to the ongoing persecution of women who have actively participated in or supported the opposition movement. Women who have dared to speak out, protest, or advocate for democratic change have faced arrests, imprisonment, and other forms of repression.
This duality highlights a key characteristic of Lukashenka’s populism: the promotion of idealized, traditional values for some while actively punishing dissent and individuality, particularly among women who challenge the established order.
