MICHAŁ ADAMSKI

Women of strike

On October 22, 2020 the Constitutional Court ruled that abortion in the case of a severely damaged fetus is illegal under the Polish Constitution. This was the next step initiated by the right-wing Law and Justice government and conservative circles and the Catholic Church to introduce a ban on abortion in Poland. The same day the first protestors came to the streets. The following day, dozens of thousand women and men took to the streets to express their opposition. Over the next several days, despite the ban on assembly connected with the coronavirus pandemic, protests took place all over Poland and included not only the capital and other larger cities, but also small towns in the provinces. These were the largest mass anti-government protests in Poland since the fall of communism. The protests, although not as numerous, continue throughout the country to this day.

Portraits of girls and women who had the courage to show their anger and dissatisfaction with authority, protesting in small towns, in their small communities.

Tess

Just before the first event in Września I was very scared that no one would come, that we would turn out to be 3 people standing there and everyone would look at us and laugh. And according to various estimates 3-5 thousand people came. So it was amazing. Then I felt that something had changed. It was a kind of awakening, I felt that even in small towns, in the provinces, people felt that too much bad things was already happening and that it was time to say enough.

Dominika

I took part in the protests because it is not acceptable for the government to decide for me, for those close to me, and in the future for those close to my son, what our lives should look like.

What did you feel?


Anger.

Joanna

I do not accept that politicians and priests should decide about me. When I strike, I feel fear for the future of women, because I see how wide the influence of Catholic fundamentalists is. But I know that together with my sisters we will win this war.

Maria

I took part in the protests because I felt it was necessary. Because I felt that at last they had to see how many of us there really were, both in big and small towns, and that none of us were alone.

Inez

At first I felt great anger, then great solidarity and gratitude for not being alone. I felt alone in my experience of this anger and rage for a long time. People from small towns had not been involved in protests before, so it was difficult to estimate how many people thought like me. But the moment we saw and felt this community, it gave a gigantic force.
I was afraid during large protests in big cities, but I was never afraid in Pobiedziska. I was afraid because I had experience of police gas in my face during the previous protest when spontaneously we went in front of the PiS headquarters. I was afraid because the media reports about police brutality did not inspire optimism. It was difficult to predict how some demonstrations would turn out.

Kamila

What did you feel?


Anger and sadness. Sadness that we do not have a free country, that there is no comprehensive education, that people limit themselves and us, impose certain social roles on us. There is no respect for other people's freedom and free choice.

Magdalena

Women have shown that they are strong and we must not let go. We must unite. I am very happy that various groups are already on strike and that we show together in small towns that we can protest together. And the women show you can't mess with us.

Daria

I take part in protests because I want to show that never again will any person with a uterus walk alone. This is my favourite slogan from the protests. I want to show by my attitude that I do not agree with what the ruling party wants to do to us. The subject of abortion is close to my heart because I had an abortion myself. I was lucky enough to be able to have an abortion in hospital normally, because it was because a defect in the foetus. And I know a person who, even when there were no restrictions, could not have an abortion. The doctor simply said we have to wait until you miscarry. Is important that the fact that we go out into the streets and show that we care about bringing goodness, that every person should feel safe. And it would be good to present it more strongly and bluntly.

Natasza

The authorities know that no matter what they do against us women, we'll still go to the streets again and again. They know that women cannot be pissed off.

Sonia

I felt a great deal of strength and liberation. It seemed to me that there is finally a moment when I can tell everyone that I live as I see fit.

Justyna

What did you feel?
Anger and helplessness, but with confidence that our voice and our action would have a positive effect.

On October 22, 2020 the Constitutional Court ruled that abortion in the case of a severely damaged fetus is illegal under the Polish Constitution. This was the next step initiated by the right-wing Law and Justice government and conservative circles and the Catholic Church to introduce a ban on abortion in Poland. The same day the first protestors came to the streets. The following day, dozens of thousand women and men took to the streets to express their opposition. Over the next several days, despite the ban on assembly connected with the coronavirus pandemic, protests took place all over Poland and included not only the capital and other larger cities, but also small towns in the provinces. These were the largest mass anti-government protests in Poland since the fall of communism. The protests, although not as numerous, continue throughout the country to this day.

Portraits of girls and women who had the courage to show their anger and dissatisfaction with authority, protesting in small towns, in their small communities.

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