The project team at the Polish think tank Śląski Instytut Edukacji Politycznej (SIPE) crafted the document “Kobiety w polityce” (Women in Politics) as a dedicated effort to enhance women’s participation in the political landscape of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. This initiative is part of the broader, EU-supported international project “Think Tank – Chance for Youth,” which unites youth from Poland, Greece, and the Czech Republic to address pressing social and political issues. With guidance from FEIS (Fundacja Europejskich Inicjatyw na Śląsku) and collaboration with EUphoria Youth Lab in Greece and Petrklic Help in the Czech Republic, SIPE led the Polish segment, focusing on the persistent underrepresentation of women in local government.
The think tank team approached this challenge by analyzing the current levels of female political engagement in key urban centers across the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis, including cities like Katowice, Gliwice, and Bytom. By grounding their recommendations in this local data, the team could propose tailored strategies for overcoming barriers specific to the regional political context.
Driven by the belief that empowering women in politics strengthens democratic representation and societal well-being, the team structured the document around practical recommendations, such as establishing gender quotas, promoting inclusive educational programs, and supporting mentorship networks. Their goal is to foster a more balanced political environment where women’s voices are equally present and impactful.
Through “Kobiety w polityce,” the project team aspires not only to highlight current gender disparities but to provide actionable, scalable solutions that can inspire policy changes at both local and national levels, making it a pivotal resource for advancing gender equality in Polish politics.
The document may be seen below: https://issuu.com/feisfundacja/docs/final_strategia_feis_x_sipe
