“Sometimes, the one word that comes to mind when I think about the defining characteristic of women today is resourcefulness. This word also suggests other great qualities, such as intelligence, wisdom, the ability to build relationships, perseverance, diligence, creativity, seeking new solutions and consistency,” stressed the Prime Minister, describing the Polish woman of the 21st century.

Polish women of the 21st century

Poland has the highest ratio of women in managerial positions in the European Union – 43.7%. The Polish PM stressed that this is not the result of any European directive or quotas introduced but a testament to women’s determination and perseverance. The increasing participation of women in the labour market is made possible, among other things, by increasing the number of available spots in crèches.

We know how difficult it is sometimes to return to the labour market and resume work after maternity or parental leave. That is why we implement a number of social policy programmes, including Family Care Capital or Family 500+, among others.

“Today, about PLN 8,000 to PLN 10,000 per year is allocated for each child through various programmes – Family Care Capital, Family 500+, starter kits, Mother 4+ and various other programmes, which are already an acquired right and a good that will certainly stay with us, at least that is what I firmly believe,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Women-supporting solutions

PLN 1 billion a year will be earmarked for women who want to set up their own businesses. The Polish PM also announced positive changes in health care that will help Polish women. We are implementing state-of-the-art mammography procedures. In a few months, a free HPV vaccine for children will be available. We are also developing preventive solutions for the treatment of breast cancer.

Polish Woman of the 21st Century Conference

The Polish Woman of the 21st Century Conference is an event that takes place every year on 8 March. It is attended by female managers, social activists, experts and government and local administration representatives. It is an opportunity to discuss together the most important issues for women: the economy, family, health or social activism.

“In all of these roles, we’ll try to support you, even if only a little bit, to make things easier. But to best recognise where, precisely in this third decade of the 21st century, help is most needed – we need dialogue,” stressed the Prime Minister.

The Polish Woman of the 21st Century Competition Gala

During the Gala, the winners and finalists in the Polish Woman of the 21st Century competition were honoured. Awards were given in the following categories:

• entrepreneurship;
• local government;
• education;
• health;
• social activism;
• innovation and new technologies;
• culture.