Women on the Political Scene in Poland - Women's Party

Back in November 2006 Manuela Gretkowska, a bold voice in Polish contemporary literature, gave vent to her anger and frustration connected with the way Polish politicians treat women and interfere with their personal life in her cyclical column in Przekrój magazine. Apparently not only Gretkowska found it irritating. Her appeal met with a lively response from Polish women and led to the establishment of The Polish Women’s Party. On the 11 January 2007, a District Court in Warsaw announced a decision about entering the party into the record of the Polish political parties. Will, however, this enthusiastic and successful beginning lead to any real changes in the way the interests of Polish women are represented on the men dominated political scene?

For those uninitiated into the secrets of life of a Polish woman and the reality she lives in, a few words of explanation. When it comes to the equality of sexes Poland is not exactly a dreamland. First of all Polish women are still greatly discriminated against on the professional field. It is not uncommon to pay women less than men for the same kind of job. Consequently, women receive smaller pensions. Discriminated at work they are still expected to connect professional and family life without being offered any real help from the government. Single mothers do not receive the help they need and very often mothers are forced to stay with their abusive partners in order to protect their children from poverty. Last but not least, Polish government plans on introducing even more restrictions into the already strict antiabortion act and this, taking into consideration all the aspects mentioned, enrages Polish women. They believe politicians have no right to decide for them about such personal things especially when they do nothing to change their position in the society and do not offer any alternatives.

Gretkowska managed to recognize and voice things that matter to Polish women and that are not properly addressed by the Polish government. The number of responses to her appeal suggests that women do actually feel the need to fight for their rights. The main goal would be to introduce the party to the parliament and finally give women a chance to represent their own interests. Ideally Polish women would follow the example of their Swedish precursors who managed to equal the number of men in their parliament. It seems the majority of Polish ladies have had enough of our ruling class and does not agree to men deciding about and influencing the most private aspects of their life. I believe it would be a nice change to see women talking about their own needs. Whether this movement has a chance of succeeding we will find out during the next elections. Let’s hope more and more women will believe in their right and ability to decide for themselves.

Aleksandra

A very intresting read, from what I know about Polish Politics, women's views are quite far down the line and in general disregarded, I wish Polish women luck with the challenges ahead.

Sadie

Kudos to Manuela Gretkowska and all Polish women who have decided to join The Polish Women Party so far.

From what I remember and observe from abroad it's truly depressing how women are discriminated against in Poland - at least as it comes to politics and professional field. And they don't even seem aware of that. They've been brain washed since childhood and keep silent.

I think religion plays a big part in that kind of upbringing. Evil Eva and St Mary (carying mother who didn't even make it to the Trinity) are the most "recognized" women in Bible. There could be tons said about that. Anyway, the majority of Poles are catholics, go to church every Sunday and women are told to obey their husbands etc..

It's all so obvious and frustrating, yet somehow it continues for ages - not only in Poland..

So... THERE IS JOB TO BE DONE! So lets finally get to it and kick their asses, right?