Women’s Congress begins in Polish capital
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
14.06.2013 12:36
‘Partnership, Solidarity, Equality’ is the motto of the 5th Congress of Women which opened in Warsaw, Friday morning.
President Komorowski (right) with First Lady Anna at Women's Congress, Friday: photo - PAP/Leszek Szymański.
The event has brought together close to 10,000 delegates from across Poland as well as invited guests from 32 countries from all continents.
The opening of the congress was attended by President Bronisław Komorowski and his wife Anna.
Addressing the gathering, the First Lady emphasized the role of partnership in the family.
“It is precisely in the family circle that partnership relations should be introduced to the young and promoted,” she explained.
President Komorowski expressed satisfaction with his presence at yet another Congress of Women and assured that as head of state he remains strongly engaged in family and women oriented projects. He added that a good climate surrounding women’s affairs is a prerequisite for a favorable climate for the family.
The forum was inaugurated by Professor Magdalena Środa, a noted scholar in ethics and political philosophy, who drew attention to the development that many local and regional meetings of women’s organizations have taken place since the previous edition of the Congress last year.
“This is a very positive sign reflecting the fundamental ideas and proper structures of the Congress of Women,” she said.
Henryka Bochniarz – president of the Polish Confederation of Private Employers (Lewiatan) and former industry minister - pointed to a wide spectrum of problems to be tackled by the Congress.
The motto of the current event is proof that Polish women are not focusing exclusively on domestic affairs but, since the 3rd edition of the Women’s Congress, have devoted increasing time to global and European problems as well as the economy, Bochniarz stressed.
Five plenary sessions and 25 panel discussions have been planned during the Congress.
As in past years, Prime Minister Donald Tusk will be the guest of honour.
Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia, former Finnish government head Mari Kiviniemi and representatives of women’s organizations from Afghanistan are among the numerous foreign guests in Warsaw. (ss/pg)