According to a survey conducted by the Center for Public Opinion Research at the beginning of 2021, young women are more likely than young men to have egalitarian views, and the political situation in the country serves as a motivating factor for them. However, women are still a minority in political parties, trade unions, and other traditional organizations on the political scene. According to the report “Women in Elections and Anti-Discrimination Mechanisms” from 2018, as many as 33% of respondents believe that women should not engage in politics, and 37% think that women have less knowledge about politics, which they find too complicated. We see hope in young women who, in response to the political situation in the country, are increasingly interested in politics. This project was specifically aimed at these young, aspiring activists.

We supported 37 young women from all over Poland who were interested in political activism. Each participant underwent a diagnostic meeting during which we discussed their training needs and the areas in which they felt most confident. We conducted an intensive course in political and activist education in three areas: public presence and public debate skills, substantive knowledge, and activism. With the support of experts, the participants organized social initiatives in small groups, which they themselves devised and planned. As a result, 11 initiatives were created, focusing on topics such as climate education, monitoring anti-violence actions, and the legalization of civil partnerships.

Thanks to these activities, a network of 37 women ready to enter the political sphere and participate in public debates was formed. From the evaluation surveys, we learned that they also gained significant knowledge in areas such as energy, economics, climate change, and the history of feminism. We are impressed by the interesting and valuable initiatives organized by the participants themselves.