Ekaterina Bezik: A Tractor Operator’s Journey in Belarus
Ekaterina Bezik works as a machine operator at JSC Belovezhsky, one of the largest enterprises in the western part of the Republic of Belarus. Born in the Kamenets region near Belovezhskaya Pushcha, her roots lie in a landscape shaped by farms and fields rather than city streets.
Her upbringing revolved around agriculture, the sector her parents dedicated themselves to. Asked why she chose a farming-related path, Ekaterina offers two clear reasons. First, she desired work that stood out from the typical roles many girls pursue. Second, she carried the example of her father, who spent his days as a tractor driver, as a living model of a hands-on, field-based career.
Ekaterina is married, and her husband shares a deep understanding of her profession, working in agriculture himself. She drives tractors on her own and believes there will always be work available in the fields. This is not a conventional career arc, yet it is increasingly common to see women in tractor operation roles. The image of the “tractor girl” has become a recognizable and enduring trend spanning nearly a century, reflecting broader shifts in rural labor and gender roles across many regions.
- Behind the wheel can be read on Odnoklassniki.
Video coverage and footage are available on YouTube under a regional car video channel.