The best representatives of Vitebsk region were awarded diplomas "Woman of the Year-2017" in the capital
Traditionally, the celebration is attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, Chairperson of the NGO "BSZh" Marianna Shchetkina, and other prominent figures of the country.
– The role of our competition is to showcase the most outstanding women from our regions and the capital. Given that this year is an anniversary competition, we approached its organization unconventionally, expanding the nominations to include more women who want to actively participate in the country's development and the strengthening of family traditions. We really want to show the multifaceted nature of women, their immense potential, which is still not fully utilized today, – emphasized Marianna Akindinovna.
A special place is given to the nomination "Leadership and Successful Management" as proof that a modern woman can realize herself not only as a mother and wife but also build a successful career, be a competent manager, and engage in active public activities. For example, Elena Furs, Director of the Novopolotsk branch of "Belgosstrakh" and Chairperson of the city organization of the NGO "BSZh," was awarded the title "Woman of the Year - 2017" in this particular nomination.
The winner admits that she is probably a leader by nature. Being a class monitor in her time, then working in the BRSM, where one also needs to lead people, working in the insurance services, 10 years in the director's chair, and 6 years of active public work in the Belarusian Women's Union – all this came easily to Elena Furs.
Today, the City Organization of the Belarusian Women's Union hosts a Family Development Center, where women in difficult life situations can receive psychological assistance, and recently, free legal consultation as well (activists, together with PSU, are implementing the joint project "Woman in Law," which won an international grant).
The public workload requires a lot of time and effort, but it does not interfere with Elena Petrovna's main work; on the contrary, it even helps in some ways, as the numerous projects and campaigns of the Women's Union expand the circle of useful contacts. How to manage it all?
– A lot depends on the woman herself, her character, and personal qualities. If I enjoy public activities, insurance, and being a leader, then it doesn't pose any particular difficulty for me. Today, a woman can realize herself in her profession and public life without detriment to her family; all it takes is the desire, – Elena Furs is convinced.
Another nomination that has changed its format is "Saving Lives," which aims to recognize the best representatives of healthcare, law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and donors. However, this time, most of the diplomas went to medical professionals, including Elena Leonovich, the chief physician of the regional maternity hospital. She has been in the profession for over 20 years, and has headed the maternity hospital for more than 10 of them.
As Elena Gennadievna admitted, she knew from childhood that she wanted to become an obstetrician-gynecologist, work in a maternity hospital, and help babies come into the world. Her love for children and her desire to care for the youngest grew stronger in her soul from her school years. As the eldest in the family, she often had to look after her younger cousins, and it was not a burden for her.
After graduating from school in Kokhanovo, Tolochin District, she enrolled in the Vitebsk State Medical University, from where she began her professional journey. Elena Gennadievna actively practices medicine to this day. Although as a leader, she always has more than enough worries, she often leaves her chief physician's office and paperwork to go to the delivery room.
Was Elena afraid at the beginning of her professional path? Although newborns are the smallest patients, the responsibility for them is the greatest.
– Youth, on the contrary, is characterized by a certain self-confidence; it seems that everything is within reach. The longer and more you work, the greater the fear, or rather, the responsibility, you realize the importance and difficulty of this profession, – says Elena Leonovich. And she knows how precious a child's life is from personal experience, as she is a mother herself. By the way, her son, along with her husband, also came to the award ceremony to support and share the joy of their main woman in life.
Representatives from the Vitebsk region have also achieved success in other fields of activity. In particular, in the nomination "Spirituality and Culture," the Vice-Rector for Educational and Ideological Work of the Vitebsk State Medical University, Olga Syrodoeva, was recognized. "Mistress of the Village" was awarded to the Chairperson of the Parfyanovsky Rural Council of Deputies, Dokshitsy District, Galina Azarevich. "Maternal Glory" was awarded to a pensioner from Rossony District, Lidia Remonenko. "Woman in Science" was awarded to the First Vice-Rector of VSU named after P. Masherov, Valentina Bogatyreva.
In addition to the contest winners, other heroines of today also took the stage – the mothers of biathletes who won gold for the country at the Pyeongchang Olympics. And Vitebsk region was also proudly represented here: the mother of our compatriot Irina Krivko, Lyudmila Bronislavovna, came from Senno to receive an award for raising her daughter.