Ms.

Prof. Dr. Józefa Hrynkiewicz

Member of the Polish Parliament

            Dear Member,

            very Thank you for the invitation to the 5th Forum for Women of the Podkarpacie Region named after dr Grażyna Gęsicka "Women in the 100th Anniversary of Independence". Being unable to participate in this event, I would like to send my regards to all the participants and invited guests.

            I am glad I am glad that the Forum has become part of the calendar of important meetings in our region. I believe I believe that every voice in matters of women and their place in social and public life is worthy of support.

            The more so The more so as the celebrations of the centenary of the independence of our Homeland, in a special The celebrations of the centennial of our Homeland's independence made us realize in a special way that there would not have been an independent, strong and democratic Poland without the involvement of generations of Polish women who faced not not only the difficult everyday life in the face of partitions, war and oppression, but They faced not only the hardships of everyday life in the face of partitions, war and oppression, but also undertook an active fight for freedom on an equal footing with men.

Last year was also the last hundred years from a decision that permanently changed the shape of Polish society. Poland Poland was one of the first countries in the world where women gained full The decision was one of the first countries in the world to grant women full suffrage. This testifies to the exceptional maturity - not only of the fathers of This shows exceptional maturity - not only of the fathers of independence, but also of the whole society. Therefore, the Sejm of the Republic of Polish Sejm in recognition of those who have contributed to such legislative changes and, above all, to the many wise, courageous and determined women fighting for equal rights - established 2018 as the Year of Women's Rights.

Today, when we are witnessing Today, when we witness the enormous changes taking place in social consciousness that stereotypes about the image of women, it is worth referring to these It is worth referring to these historical experiences. They can be a contribution to many inspiring reflections. reflections.

            Using I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the Podkarpackie Forum for initiative and effort to prepare this valuable undertaking. To all the ladies who set an example of how to integrate the environment and devote themselves to their work with passion and great I would like to express my appreciation to all ladies who set an example of how to integrate the community and devote themselves to their work with passion and great commitment. I am also I am convinced that this meeting, like the previous ones, will be I am also convinced that this meeting, like the previous ones, will be an excellent opportunity to promote creative and active women who serve the local society. local society.

            Wishing perseverance and determination in your further activities, I would like to express my respect.

                                                                                              Marek Kuchciński