Yulia Navalnaya has taken up the political mantle of her late husband, Alexei Navalny, stating, “I will continue the work of Alexei Navalny. Continue to fight for our country. And I invite you to stand next to me.”
This commitment echoes the sentiments of other women in politics, such as Lisa Yasko, a 33-year-old member of the Ukrainian Parliament, who felt compelled to enter politics to effect change.
Yasko’s motivation stemmed from a sense of injustice following the Maidan Uprising in 2014, which saw Ukrainians protesting for closer ties with the European Union.
The Accidental Politicians (Credits: NBC Los Angeles)
She became politically active after her partner was imprisoned in Georgia for opposing the ruling authorities. Yasko’s dedication led her to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and she eventually became a lawmaker for his party.
Despite initially facing skepticism as “the young one” in politics, Yasko noted that women in politics began to earn more respect following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
As a member of the Ukrainian delegation at the Munich Security Conference, Yasko advocated for increased Western support for Ukraine, which is now facing heightened pressure due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled opposition leader of Belarus, also found herself thrust into politics unexpectedly, describing herself as an “accidental politician.”
Each of these women demonstrates a deep commitment to their respective causes, whether it’s fighting for democracy in Russia, advocating for Ukrainian interests, or opposing authoritarian regimes. Their stories highlight the resilience and determination of women in the political arena.
