On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Polish Red Cross together with other associations from around the world operating within the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calls for amplifying the voices of all women and girls. Every day, we are dedicated to building a world that is inclusive and diverse, where every person, regardless of gender, has the same chances for a dignified life.

The Polish Red Cross recognizes that there is still much to be done in this area in Poland - at the turn of November and December, it organizes 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. As part of this, it conducts an information campaign, open educational activities, and workshops, drawing attention to the issue of gender inequality, violence against women, and showing ways to oppose it.

In addition, the Polish Red Cross celebrates #DayForWomen. Around March 8, it conducts collections and invites to actions addressed to women. This year, various pro-women initiatives will involve women in the Red Cross branches in the Podlaskie, Małopolska, Świętokrzyskie, and Pomeranian voivodeships.

The Polish Red Cross runs many activities focused on the problems of women and supports them in overcoming smaller and larger difficulties in everyday life.

Since 2020, the Polish Red Cross has been fighting against period poverty, providing sanitary pads and tampons, among others, to: schools, community centers, hospitals, and assistance centers.

A lot of attention is given to supporting women in family responsibilities. This is particularly important as about 20% of Polish families are single-mother families. They receive food packages, holiday packages, and their children receive school supplies. The youngest can use over 40 community centers of the Polish Red Cross, where they spend time with peers and participate in creative activities, enabling their mothers to be professionally active.

Since 2022, a significant part of the Polish Red Cross's activities is directed towards refugee women, who came to Poland due to the armed conflict in Ukraine. Women seeking safe shelter here have received material assistance, psychological and legal support, and participate in courses and training that allow them to gain independence.

Importantly, the Polish Red Cross supports women of all ages. It operates 28 Senior Clubs, primarily for senior women. They participate in activities that allow them to pursue their passions, meet new people, and feel needed.

In 1919, the Polish Red Cross Society (PTCK) was established under the patronage of Helena Paderewska. Throughout the history of the Polish Red Cross, many women have been active, and today the position of the General Director of the Polish Red Cross is held by a woman. The majority of volunteers and staff working at the Polish Red Cross are women.

Their immense commitment was visible, for example, during the September flooding in southern Poland. They were on-site working in Humanitarian Assistance Groups and Rescue Groups. It was primarily the female volunteers who prepared and sorted the material aid that was sent to the disaster-stricken areas.

On International Women's Day, we pay tribute to the incredible women who lead the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. From volunteers to staff - their dedication and resilience inspire us every day. They are always on the front lines, facing challenges with commitment and empathy. Women drive change in communities around the world. It is the passion and dedication of women humanitarians that will shape the future of the Red Cross movement.