Inequality of women in community life, politics, and on the job market can be observed even in Koszaliński county. There are significantly fewer women among policy-makers responsible for formulating local public policies, resulting in activities of local government not taking account of women’s real problems and dual role. In addition, there is the acute problem of domestic violence, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Of consultations provided at the Koszaliński Women’s Rights Centre, in 2020 95% concerned domestic violence.
We formed and expanded the Zachodniopomorski Women’s Network, involving 40 women wishing to develop as leaders. 79 women – both Network members and other female residents of the Zachodniopomorski voivodeship – took part in five one-day workshops and one two-day workshop. The workshops concerned issues such as human rights, reproductive rights, and menstruation rights, and improved assertiveness and belief in one’s own capabilities and skills. We provided legal and psychological consultations for 75 people, including victims of gender-based violence. We conducted three public campaigns, including a campaign on patient and menstruation rights. We produced and published a Woman Leader Handbook for women who wish to develop their leadership skills and become leaders of a community.
Our activities were a stimulus for women who wish to develop as leaders in the local community. The project was an opportunity for them to meet and share experiences and problems with other women in a similar situation. We formed and activated a support network for woman leaders. Due to open training sessions we drew attention to equality, patient rights, and human rights issues, and the problem of menstrual health, which affects many women in small communities.