The project aimed to promote and support pro-equality attitudes in the municipality of Koluszki. The region lacks a local network for support and cooperation in the field of gender equality and combating gender discrimination. Many women living in Koluszki face disrespect, unequal treatment and violence. An increasing number of competent women are working in responsible but poorly paid public positions, and their achievements are not recognised to the same extent as those of their male colleagues. The local system for combating gender-based violence is also ineffective, yet the problem of domestic violence has escalated during the pandemic.
As part of the project, the Project Promoter carried out various gender equality and empowerment activities for women in the Koluszki community. A Counselling, Support and Development Centre was opened, which operated both remotely and on site. Women received legal, psychological, emotional and coaching support. Two local gender equality campaigns were carried out – Koluszkowianki as Gender Equality Ambassadors and Makatka Równościowa. The first involved the creation of the Koluszko Equality Calendar, featuring female ambassadors in their various roles. The Makatokowa campaign was based on a call for a new slogan or design for a Makatka with an equality message. An Equality Family Picnic was held with events promoting gender equality and the project itself, as well as several meetings with inspiring women. A two-day training course entitled “Women can do a lot! Or even more…” for 13 women from Koluszki and surrounding rural women’s groups. The training covered topics such as social equality, identifying one’s needs, knowing one’s rights, strengths analysis, resourcefulness and entrepreneurship, etc. A local women’s initiative fair was held, attended by 120 people. The project established cooperation with 10 institutions in Koluszki, including the police station, schools and the town hall. One partner was the Norwegian organisation Terram Pacis, which the beneficiary visited in Oslo and learned about its daily work.
Women from the Koluszki municipality were the first to benefit from the activities. 26 women in need of help received concrete psychological and legal support. Many women became actively involved in the activities, including village chiefs, presidents of the Rural Housewives’ Circles, teachers, educators, who thus developed their competences as social activists and “liaison officers” with women in need of support. Inter-institutional cooperation in the field of gender equality and anti-violence was strengthened. Undoubtedly, the topic was present in the local media, institutions, public space.
