Alana Hiebremaryiam Revealed How the New Association for Politically Imprisoned Women Will Differ

The "Pobach" association grew out of an existing informal community of Belarusian women who had been through penal colonies — women began to gather together in 2023.

"After our releases, we started communicating and thinking about how great it would be to meet with people who understand you, with whom you went through various, quite difficult situations, shoulder to shoulder. We supported each other as best we could, worked by word-of-mouth, and personally sought funds for Belarusian women after prison to cover their psychological and material needs, helping them find work. Our informal community grew, but we couldn't reach all women: some were in Belarus, some in Lithuania, some in Poland, and some remained very closed off and didn't make contact.

Our step into the public sphere happened partly to unite most of those who are ready for it. To help those seeking understanding, those lacking meetings with like-minded individuals, and those needing a specifically female support group. After all, the female experience of going through penal colonies No. 4 in Homiel and No. 24 in Zarechcha differs from the male experience — both due to the demeaning communication with women from male administration members, and through sexualized violence.

Women also go through a process of disrupted roles as mothers, daughters, partners, and professionals — all of this affects how rehabilitation should be structured for them.

We realize that we need specific communication and rehabilitation. We understand each other better, and after we get back on our feet, we are ready to help other women rise," adds Alana Hiebremaryiam, a former political prisoner.

Павялічыць

Alana Hiebremaryiam. Photo from personal archive.

Alana also draws attention to the horizontal nature of their structure.

"We strive to divide responsibilities across different areas depending on competencies. We don't have a leader or leaders who decide everything; we make decisions together. This allows for diverse opinions, restores agency to women — they can once again participate in resolving issues that concern them.

Moreover, we are distinguished by non-violent communication. Many women told me they don't want to join other organizations due to the toxicity of some individuals, who often don't realize they are hurting people around them. For adequate recovery after a penal colony, and to reduce the impact of PTSD on life, an environment that will support, encourage, and provide space for self-realization is required."

Alana promises full transparency in their work — at least, the availability of reporting, once the initiative is registered as a legal entity.

"Sometimes I look for information about the work directions of other associations, their reporting — annual or any other — and I can't find it. We, in turn, will strive to make our activities transparent, sharing information publicly across all areas of work — psychological assistance, advocacy, and more."

At the same time, Alana believes that there is always more strength in diversity.

"It's impossible to create one organization responsible for all areas related to political prisoners. Each usually has its own individual focus, and the people within the organization have their own competencies. Diversity allows for not being overloaded and provides an opportunity for different people to express themselves. The main thing is that within this multitude, there is information exchange and that joint projects are organized (including to avoid duplication of aid).

In summary, for me, a greater number of organizations helping political prisoners is definitely a plus and a greater contribution to the future of these people."

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