Who Is Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya? Age, Biography and Wiki
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, born on September 11, 1982, in Mikashevichi, Belarus, is a prominent Belarusian political activist known for her efforts in challenging the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. She rose to international prominence during the 2020 presidential elections when she ran against Lukashenko, gathering substantial support and ultimately becoming an icon of the pro-democracy movement in Belarus. By 2025, Tsikhanouskaya continues to be a key figure in advocating for democratic reforms and human rights in her home country.
| Occupation | Human Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1982 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Mikashevichy, Brest Region, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country |
Popularity
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. While precise weight information is not publicly disclosed, her athletic physique is maintained through an active lifestyle. Her distinctive features, including her expressive eyes and elegant demeanor, have made her a well-recognized figure both in Belarus and internationally.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is married to Siarhei Tsikhanouski, a former opposition figure who is currently imprisoned. Together, they have two children. Despite the political turmoil, Tsikhanouskaya remains dedicated to her family and often cites them as her motivation for fighting for a better future for Belarus. As of 2025, she is focused on her activism and has prioritized her mission over a romantic relationship.
Tsikhanouskaya became an opposition leader after her husband, Syarhei Tsikhanouski, ran as a presidential candidate in the 2020 presidential election. He was arrested, along with most other opposition leaders, and, as she was unable to file for the presidency on his behalf, Tsikhanouskaya entered herself into the race as a candidate.
Lukashenko allowed her candidacy because he believed that a woman could not form legitimate opposition. She ran on a platform of constitutional reform, seeking free and fair elections with term limits on the presidency, and she pledged to step down once this was implemented.
After Lukashenko was declared the victor, she was held by Belarusian authorities and then forced into exile in Lithuania. Election observers consider the election fraudulent, and Lithuania has recognized Tsikhanouskaya as the legitimate head of state of Belarus.
Net Worth and Salary
While Sviatlana's exact net worth is not publicly available, estimates suggest her wealth is modest compared to her significant influence and the challenges she faces. Her primary income is likely derived from her political work, speaking engagements, and possibly support from various organizations focused on human rights and democracy. Her commitment to social justice often sees her forgoing personal financial gain for the larger cause.
Career, Business and Investments
Tsikhanouskaya's career began in a teaching and translation role, but her political career took off in 2020 when she entered the presidential race. After fleeing Belarus due to the immense pressure from the government, she became a leader of the opposition in exile. Since then, she has focused on diplomatic efforts, advocating for sanctions against the Lukashenko regime, and rallying international support for the Belarusian people. Tsikhanouskaya's endeavors also include partnerships with various NGOs and participation in forums promoting democracy.
Social Network
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is actively engaged on several social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram, where she shares updates about her advocacy work, personal reflections, and messages of support for Belarusians. Her presence on social media helps to engage a global audience in her cause, reinforcing her role as a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism.
Though she was running as an independent candidate, Tsikhanouskaya attracted support from across the spectrum of Belarus's political opposition.
Vital Rymasheuski, co-leader of Belarusian Christian Democracy, announced his party's support, as did the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Assembly), United Civic Party of Belarus, and Belarusian Women's Party "Nadzieja".
She also received support from 2010 presidential candidate Mikola Statkevich, and president of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, Ivonka Survilla. Tsikhanouskaya's shared experience with the other wives of arrested dissidents earned her many supporters among women.
Rallies in support of Tsikhanouskaya and in opposition to Lukashenko were the largest in the history of post-Soviet Belarus, attracting crowds of 20,000 in Brest and 220,000 in Minsk. Tsikhanouskaya had no political experience, and she had to be taught how to speak to the media.
This endeared her to voters and protesters, who saw her as an ordinary citizen like themselves. Her open dislike of politics fueled this response.
Education
Tsikhanouskaya holds a degree in foreign languages from the Belarusian State University. Her educational background has aided her in her roles as an interpreter and educator. Additionally, her international exposure and experiences have enriched her understanding of political activism and its global implications.
Pilipchuk attended Mozyr State Pedagogical University to study teaching. While she was in Mazyr, she met nightclub owner Syarhei Tsikhanouski in 2003. They married in 2004, and she took the name Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Together they had two children: a son and a daughter, about five years apart.
She moved from Minsk to Gomel where he could receive treatment, including a cochlear implant. Until 2020, Tsikhanouskaya was an English teacher and interpreter. She retired so she had more time to raise her children. She pulled her children out of school when the COVID-19 pandemic developed, as the government had not taken any prevention measures.
