Marking International Women's Day, the President of the European Parliament said that Parliament will always be a force for democracy, equality and solidarity. She thanked Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, Lenie Umerova and Tata Kepler for being an inspiration.
Dear colleagues, Honoured guests, Dear Sviatlana, Palina, Lenie, Tata,
Thank you for joining us as we mark International Women’s Day.
I am proud that this House has and will always be a force for democracy, equality and solidarity. Today, we pay tribute to the courageous women across Europe who are standing up for the values so many of us, far too often, take for granted.
Women who embody the spirit of courage, of defiance and the audacity to believe in a better world.
Who are on the frontlines of the struggle for a future of freedom.
Who are putting everything on the line as they refuse to give up on what they believe in.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of the Democratic forces of Belarus; Palina Sharenda Panasiuk, a former political prisoner in Belarus; Lenie Umerova, former political prisoner from Crimea; Tata Kepler, Ukrainian medical volunteer and activist.
Dear friends, your brave actions are an inspiration to this House and to all who cherish liberty everywhere. Thank you for being an example for girls and boys across Europe and the world.
In Ukraine today, hundreds of women and men are fighting every day for that dream of peace and freedom. We know their sacrifice. We honour what they stand for.
In Belarus, too many women and men are arbitrarily imprisoned and denied their rights under the boot of dictatorship. We know what they have given up. Their plight is not forgotten.
Sviatlana, Palina, Lenie, Tata: Thank you. This House thanks you. Europe thanks you.
This House stands with you. Because Europe is on the side of democracy: everywhere, every time.
Thank you.