The campaign “It’s Your Choice,” launched by the Głos Kobiet Initiative—a group of civil society organizations working to protect and promote women’s rights—is set to persuade women to take an active part in the upcoming elections. The campaign aims to make women aware of the agency and power of their votes in elections, particularly on issues fundamental to them. The campaign is supported by the Batory Foundation and communications specialists working pro bono.

Young Polish women know exactly what kind of country they want to live in [1]. An ideal Poland is a country that respects their rights and gives them opportunities for professional development without sacrificing family life. Women want to live in a modern and open state that gives them a sense of security and freedom. Health, education and financial independence are key issues for Polish women. They want access to good medical care and the right to decide about their own bodies. They expect reliable, modern education for their children. They want to live with dignity, without having to make constant sacrifices. They want to develop professionally, have time for their families and pursue their passions.

Fair and democratic—these are further values identified by women in response to the question about the Poland they want (selected by 29% and 27% of respondents, respectively). These values form the foundation of a society in which everyone has equal rights and opportunities. Other choices made by Polish women included a peaceful Poland (24%), a safe Poland (46%), and a Poland that is honest (23%), tolerant (22%), governed by the rule of law (22%) and respected in the world (20%).

Research also shows that women do not like talking about politics. More than 60% of young Polish women say they avoid such conversations [2], and only 40% of the youngest women follow news in the media and take an interest in events on Poland’s political scene. That is why the campaign’s initiators want to convince them that politics is not something abstract and detached from their lives, but something that affects what is happening here and now. It determines matters that are important in their everyday lives.

“Every day, women have to resolve a range of problems and dilemmas affecting different areas of their lives. Yet there are areas in which those in power take away or restrict their right to choose,” says Ewa Kulik-Bielińska of the Batory Foundation. “The campaign aims to mobilize young women to become more present in public life and stand up for their rights. We do not make decisions for women or tell them how or whom to vote for. We only show them that they have ‘something to vote for,’ and that what they choose will have a direct impact on their lives.”

Members of the Głos Kobiet Initiative deeply believe that young women’s voices will be heard and valued in public debate on matters important to them. However, for that to happen, their votes must first be cast in elections.

“If half of women do not go to the polls, decisions concerning issues crucial to them will be made without their participation,” adds Zofia Sanejko of the Głos Kobiet Initiative. “We want young women to realize this. Polish women aged 18–34 number more than 3.6 million citizens (according to the 2022 GUS census), which is twice the population of the capital. That is truly a powerful force.”

The It’s Your Choice campaign will be conducted both offline and online—in electronic media, on television and radio, as well as on social media and in public spaces. The campaign’s symbol, and a symbol of women’s agency, is a pink pen.

“The women’s strikes defending the right to decide about their lives in 2020 showed women’s strength. Now it is time to show our agency. Let’s replace umbrellas with pens. Let’s show that we know how to stand up for our rights,” the campaign’s initiators appeal to women.

Materials for download, along with an invitation to join the campaign addressed both to individuals and organizations, are available at www.twojwybor.pl.

About the Głos Kobiet Initiative:

The Głos Kobiet Initiative is a group of several dozen civil society organizations and civic groups working for women’s rights that have taken action to increase the strength of women’s voices in the parliamentary elections on October 15. A list of organizations belonging to the Głos Kobiet Initiative is available on the campaign website, www.twojwybor.pl.

[1] A More in Common Foundation survey on women’s attitudes, conducted in May 2023: https://public.flourish.studio/story/1923685/
[2] Ibid.