«The day shops run out of lipstick.» Belarusians welcome Maria Kalesnikava's release, massively applying red lipstick PHOTOS
Released on December 13, Maria Kalesnikava has been closely associated with red lipstick since the 2020 presidential campaign, which she invariably wore, even in the harsh conditions of the colony. She inspired other imprisoned women, as well as Belarusian women outside prison.
Now, in honor of Maria, a whole red-lipstick flashmob has been organized on social media.
Here are just a few posts of solidarity and joy for Maria Kalesnikava from Belarusian women on Threads.
For example, Asya Bulybenka, a former political prisoner in the «students' case» who also went through the Homiel colony, supported the flashmob.
One of the flashmob participants admitted that red lipstick doesn't suit her at all, but she wore it for such an occasion.
Belarusians joked that in a couple of days, all lipsticks of similar shades would run out in shops in Belarus and Europe, and advised smart marketers of cosmetic brands to launch thematic advertising.
One person even suggested launching the production of a special «Maria» lipstick.
Someone was happy for Masha but at the same time worried about those who are still in captivity.
«Belarusian women today put on red lipstick and are going to drink wine,» rejoiced compatriots, both from abroad and within Belarus, who were saddened by the lack of good news.
Some lipsticks had been waiting for their moment since 2020.
It's worth noting that at a certain point, political prisoners in the Homiel women's colony began to be pressured for wearing lipstick. Olga Klaskouskaya recounted that colony staff immediately interpreted this as solidarity with Maria and a protest, suggesting they re-paint their lips green, the camouflage color of the uniform.
Historically, from the suffragettes onwards, red lipstick has indeed been considered a sign of protest against patriarchy, sexism, violence, and dictatorships. It was used by women to assert their strength and right to self-expression.
Recall that the former head of Viktar Babaryka's campaign headquarters was detained in early September 2020. At the border, Kalesnikava tore up her passport to avoid forced deportation and consequently ended up behind bars. Due to disproportionately harsh conditions in a punitive isolation ward in 2022, she was urgently hospitalized with a perforated ulcer and peritonitis.
Comments
Бедняжки несчастные загвалтовали вас сексисткие диктатуры. Вообще то красная помада это символ женщины ищущей секса. Всегда так было.