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Description
The aim of the project is to increase the civic activity of women from the Silesia Region by using the method of Community Organising and civic education. We want to enable women to participate in decision-making processes, show their engagement in local issues, and provide them with organisational, psychological and substantive support. Our experience shows that the method of Community Organising is effective in such activities. It helps create a welcoming, equitable environment for the community. It works on a long-term basis, supporting the formation and functioning of grassroots groups and community organisations. Our experience also shows that a big barrier to cooperation are world-view and political differences as well as a progressive social polarisation. That is why in our activities we focus on important topics concerning the public sphere, which bring people together despite the differences that divide them in other areas. The project consists of two parts. In the first one, we will use the method of Community Organising to organise groups of women in two cities of the Silesia Region, and in the second one we will provide those gropus with educational and advisory support. As part of the project, we will also conduct comprehensive research on public, social and political activity of women from the region. We want to find out in which areas the women are engaged, what are the goals of their engagement as well as its systemic and local conditions, including barriers that hinder women''s activity and the needs for support in this respect. We are implementing the project in partnership with the Institute of Public Affairs, which is responsible for conducting qualitative research, and Phronesis SA (Norway), which supports the organisation of meetings in local communities and work in the form of dialogue.
Summary of project results
Our project addressed several challenges: - although women constitute more than half of society, they are still underrepresented, both at the local and government levels. Socio-economic status, lack of sufficient financial resources, poorer perception of one’s abilities and competences, difficulties on the labour market and the double burden of professional and domestic work are some of the many barriers that make it difficult for women to participate in politics. - women in the Silesian Voivodeship face the effects of climate change and energy transformation. However, they are still too rarely included in decision-making processes on these topics, which has catastrophic consequences for entire communities. - the growth of disturbing phenomena such as radicalism, extremism, discrimination against various groups, including women, as well as increasing divisions among communities, are causing a decline in civic engagement and people’s trust in institutions and each other. In response to these challenges, through our project we wanted to strengthen women from the Silesian Voivodeship and increase their competences and activity in the public space using community organising and civic education. We placed particular emphasis on reducing polarization in local communities through the method of dialogue as a facilitation technique. As part of the project, we assumed the creation of two grassroots groups of women, educational and developmental support for participants, and research devoted to their public, social and political activity.
We organised 2 groups of women in Siemianowice Śląskie and Chorzów - We conducted 4 two-day workshops for approximately 15 women from groups established as part of the project - We provided 11 individual mentoring and advisory support sessions - We increased the involvement of project participants in civic activities, increased their sense of influence and agency, and improved their competences in the field of civic education - Groups of women independently or in cooperation conducted 3 civic campaigns - We organised 3 dissemination events - We conducted a study visit to Norway devoted to the dialogue formula - We conducted 4 meetings in local communities using the dialogue method - The activities carried out (dialogue meetings, dissemination events, campaigns and protests) contributed to an increase in the sense of civic awareness among residents of the province. Silesia and reducing the phenomenon of polarization - we created a report on the situation of activists in the Silesian Voivodeship "Who, if anyone, should change the world" in two language versions (Polish and English) - we created a collection of good practices related to working with the dialogue method in local communities "Hear yourself and others. Introduction to the dialogue method in communities" - we recorded an information podcast about the project - we prepared the website of the Rzecz Społeczna Foundation (www.rzeczspoleczna.pl) - we conducted 2 workshops for the Foundation team supporting the institutional development of the organization and communication - at least 5 internal documents of the Foundation were created (manifesto of values, principles of cooperation within the foundation, principles of decision-making, principles of cooperation with groups and principles of conducting and coordinating projects) - we strengthened partnerships with project partners and established new relationships - we increased the staff and premises resources of the Foundation.
The project was primarily aimed at women from the Silesian Voivodeship (especially from Siemianowice Śląskie and Chorzów). The indirect recipients were residents of the region and the Foundation team. The greatest benefit of the project is undoubtedly the fact that two strong women''s groups were established in Siemianowice Śląskie and Chorzów. Frelki Obywatelki now have greater awareness, competence and agency in public space activities. The groups have become a kind of brand associated with active women who include their community and lead various civic and ecological activities. Our foundation has also expanded its educational offer, introducing the dialogue formula as one of the important tools for building openness and understanding between members of groups or communities. The research on the situation of activists in the Silesian Voivodeship was also of great value. In the report summarizing the research, in addition to describing the barriers and difficulties that active women encounter, we included recommendations that serve as a guide for people who want to change their reality. Moreover, as part of the institutional support, our foundation has developed into a dynamic and professional organization with a clear strategy, well-thought-out internal procedures that streamline its daily functioning, and new relationships.
Summary of bilateral results
The partner organization has extensive experience in adult education and community development. Thanks to the project cooperation, we learned a new method – the dialogue formula and gained expert support in preparing for meetings with communities using this tool. The partner also organized a study visit to Norway, which showed us how important it is to build relationships based on openness, respect and trust and what can happen if this is not there between people. We plan to continue cooperation with the partner in order to strengthen our competences in the dialogue method.