The Women's Party taking on Polish male chauvinism
Polish Women's Party appear naked on billboards to combat country's political chauvinism
Polish Women's Party appear naked on billboards to combat country's political chauvinism
THE POLISH WOMEN'S party have appeared on billboards across Poland to combat what they see as the country's biggest political problem: male chauvinism.
Founder of the newly-formed group, Manuela Gretkowska, says that Polish politics is run 'by men in suits for men in suits', and wants to challenge rightwing religious parties - such as the League of Polish Families, which wants to tighten already restrictive abortion laws - and the male-dominated political arena.
The group are fighting for free contraception, an increase in the number of gynacologists, a right to pain-free birth, expanded child care, equal pay and pension rights and are using the poster to challenge old-school stereotypes.
'The poster is intended to shatter stereotypes in the anachronistic world of politics,' Gretkowska tells The Times. 'We are beautiful, nude and proud.'
But priests all over the country and members of the Conservative Law and Justice Party, the main group in the Government coalition, disagree and have suggested it's an insult to voters.
Gretkowska is defiant: 'This is not pornography, there is nothing to see in terms of sex, our faces are intelligent, proud and committed.'
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
The party only has 3% of the vote - 5% is needed for parliamentary seats - but their campaign is gathering momentum, with leading Polish actresses (Krystyna Janda), boxers (Agnieszka Rylik) and singers (Kayah) getting behind them.
In Poland about 55% of women – six million – stay at home and out of the labour market. Most are dependent on the salaries of male partners or on meagre welfare payments. The political parties all claim to offer equal opportunities for would-be women politicians but in practice place their names low on electoral lists so that they rarely succeed.
Gretkowski, for one, wants to see this changed. 'It can't be right that we pay taxes just like men and yet let men decide over our future, work and health.'
The group could already be having an impact - President Kaczynski has just appointed an adviser on women's affairs, Nelly Rokita, to help to mobilise the Catholic female vote.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Prince Harry could 'return to the UK' for Christmas without Meghan Markle
He's been visiting England solo over the last couple of years
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Bridget Jones 4 trailer confirms this heartbreaking fan theory
Watch it at your own peril
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Emily Blunt had a brilliant response to John Krasinki winning the 'Sexiest Man Alive' award
Now that's a supportive spouse
By Iris Goldsztajn