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Polish women in the 21st Century
Seminar
Feminism in western societies has grown mature. There is a wide network of female organisations, NGO's and studies. As the European Union will welcome new member states this year it is a crucial time to look at the feminist theory and also practice both in western societies and in countries entering the EU. What is feminism of a "mature" democratic society, like Germany, and feminism of a post - socialist country, like Poland? What are the similarities and differences?
There are many Polish women living in Germany. Some of them are passively watching current situation in Europe and some give their opinions away, not only through political, social or business activities but also art. Of course their point of view is not based strictly on Polish or German experiences, these women are in between systems. Living in a western society and having Polish traditions and mentality makes a unique combination of points of view. Therefore it adds a special dimension for the discussion of different national aspects of feminism.
In the era of Communist Polish women have had lived under a system of a very formal and legislated equality. However women had the legal right to work, but not to have a freedom to choose the lifestyle they wanted to lead. Obligation to work and "equality" were imposed by the communist state and there was no public dialogue about the changes in women's roles. Women were still expected to do all of the child rearing and housework, for example, while working the same hours as men. After the fall of communism, two parallel movements have been taking place in Poland: the growth of feminist theory (gender studies, discussions, texts, periodicals, etc.) and the process of questioning of the applicability of western feminism to the situation of Polish women.
Is Polish feminism so different from the western one? Or maybe there is more energy and activities in Polish feminist organisations? What is special about Polish feminism? The seminar is about to answer some of these questions and confronting opinions and positions of Polish, German and Polish living in Germany feminists.
Polish women are active in art, business and science. It is observed very clear in contemporary art and literature. Art is an expression of the female situation in the time of transition and major political changes. Therefore it is important to discuss about the artistic presence and activities of Polish women, because there is a lot of energy in them and they speak their own voice.
"Import and export" is not only a physical movement of people or goods but also a metaphysical one – the flow and exchange of ideas against stereotypes. The comparison of human relations, women's situation and art in countries of EU and countries entering the Union, like Poland, can bring an interesting and important ground for further discussions.
Structure
1. Feminism in western societies
2. Polish women in Germany
3. Feminism in Poland
4. Art as an expression of the situation of polish women
5. Discussion
The Seminar "IMPORT-EXPORT - Polish women in the 21st Century" will be held in Gallery ZERO during the exhibition "Polish wife" by Anna Krenz. The seminar is also part of polish art festival "TERrA Polska", which will be on 20-25th April 2004 in Berlin.
Date and place
Thursday, April, 22nd 2004, Gallery ZERO, Berlin
Issues
- Stereotypes about Polish women
- Expression "KKK" (Kinder, Kuche, Kirche) - is it still actual?
- Lesbians, feminists or Polish Mothers?
- Art, architecture and literature of young polish women
- Female writers in Poland
- Polish women in media
- Polish women in scence and business
- Polish and German women - how do they perceive each other?
Contact:
krenz@zero-project.org
Please, register by EMAIL! German Version