“War is teh most vivid efflorescence of the patriarchy,” attendees declared at National Congress of Women
WARSAW – Assertions linking conflict to patriarchal structures resonated at the National Congress of women held this week, as participants voiced concerns over national security preparedness and gender representation within the Polish military.The congress, bringing together prominent Polish figures, addressed a range of issues from civilian defence readiness to the need for increased female leadership in national security roles.
The statement – “War is the most vivid efflorescence of the patriarchy” – underscored a central theme of the congress: the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and the need to challenge customary power dynamics contributing to instability.Janina Ochojska, founder of the Polish Humanitarian Action, highlighted a critical gap in public safety information, revealing that the last security updates for residents in her local commune dated back to October 2024.
Retired commander Bożena Szubińska appealed for greater mobilization of women within the armed forces,pointing to the absence of any female generals in the Polish army as a key indicator of systemic imbalance. “Our safety does not depend on the number of tanks, but on the awareness and readiness of citizens,” Ochojska stated, further emphasizing the importance of broad-based preparedness. A survey of attendees revealed limited public awareness of government-prepared “security guides” and a low percentage having assembled emergency “escape backpacks.”