2020 has been a year of upheaval, no more so than in Belarus where the election in August has led to civil unrest and mass protests. It is widely accepted that President Lukashenko rigged the election result, even after arresting his main opponent. The replacement candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya — a stay at home mother — agreed to stand in place of her husband and won enough votes to oust the president. However, she had to flee to Lithuania for her own safety. In her absence, protests carried on despite violence from the security forces. Women have consistently led these mass demonstrations and marches; believing they will face less backlash from the police and armed services than men. And while the men are beaten on the streets, many women have been arrested, beaten, tortured and raped. Yet still they protest. 73-year-old great-grandmother Nina Bahinskaya has become a unlikely hero, inspiring her fellow protesters by speaking out against Lukashenko and his regime and resisting police who try to stop her walking with her homemade flag of free Belarus. Her statement, ‘I am just walking,’ has become a rallying cry and crowds chant ‘Nina Nina’ when she is present. Her renown has not protected her however, and she has been arrested and detained by police on at least one occasion. I believe Nina Bahinskaya is inspiring and leading others and represents the best example of an everyday leader; someone who stands up for what is right even in the face of great personal danger. You can learn more about Nina here:

https://time.com/5895174/nina-baginskaya-belarus/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-europe-53941984

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Baginskaya

https://www.vice.com/en/article/889pe3/nina-baginskaya-belarus-minsk-protest-detained