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The exhibition “The Future of Belarus, Fueled by Women” reflects the female view of Belarusian photojournalism covering women’s protests, the contrast between peaceful confrontation and the overt violence unleashed by authorities. Women have become the symbol of such protests in Belarus, fighting courageously against the patriarchal government. 

After the presidential elections of August 9, 2020, mass protests began in Belarus, followed swiftly by several days of police brutality and the torture of detained protesters and random individuals. On August 12, several thousand Belarusian women went out into the streets that morning to stand in chains of solidarity, dressed in white and holding flowers in their hands. Women’s chains of solidarity became a breath of fresh air, helping to guide the protest onto a peaceful course and give hope to Belarusians. Women’s chains of solidarity have become more widespread and have been held on Saturdays. In the early days, riot police did not interfere. But as the number of protesters grew each week and the protests showed a real potential for growing into a larger movement, authorities decided to suppress the women’s Saturday marches as well.

Five Belarusian photographers – Nadia Buzhan, Darya Burakina, Iryna Arakhouskaya, Volha Shukaila, and Viyaleta Sauchyts – have been capturing the protests throughout Belarus. The so-called women’s marches steered the protests onto a peaceful course and shaped the agenda of the Belarusian revolution. It became a nonviolent resistance – a modern form of protest in 21st century Belarus.