In Poland, entrepreneurship and women’s labor participation are closely linked in the national conversation. Recent figures show a steady rise in women joining the workforce, with the share moving from the mid-50s to above 60 percent in a relatively short period. This milestone was highlighted by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki during a gathering in Kępno focused on female entrepreneurship and the broader theme of Polish women as active drivers of European enterprise.
Polish women are taking matters into their own hands
The Prime Minister attended the 1st Congress “Wielkopolska – the Heart of European Entrepreneurship. Polish – Exceptionally European.” In his remarks, he emphasized that Polish women increasingly steer initiatives across work and life, asserting that women embody entrepreneurial spirit in the country’s story.
Across the room, he observed a clear pattern: Polish women are stepping forward to handle diverse responsibilities and to push forward new ideas. The message in his words was that Polish women represent entrepreneurship in its most practical form.
Morawiecki congratulated women who consistently seek the best, most meaningful outcomes in various aspects of work and family life, and he acknowledged their perseverance. He noted that women frequently outperform men in the daily realities of balancing duties, a trend he described as a sign of the times.
He pointed to labor market data to illustrate this shift, highlighting that the share of women in the workforce has risen from 55 percent to over 60 percent in recent years. He also mentioned that more than 7.4 million Polish women participate in the labor market, contributing to a record high number of working people in the country’s history.
The pay gap is shrinking
Morawiecki underscored that the gap between earnings in similar roles for men and women continues to narrow. While still present, the disparity has decreased from over 7 percent to around 4.5 percent in recent years. He argued that the goal should be zero, tying this to social justice and the government’s commitment to supporting women in the workforce.
He announced an additional one billion zloty program for female entrepreneurship, stressing that the initiative will pay for itself many times over. Details on how the program will be implemented are to be discussed soon, with a focus on practical support measures for women in business.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenge of balancing family life with a professional career and declared that the government’s task is to enable two roles to coexist in a manner that suits each individual. He promised continued support for women through various programs aimed at easing this balance and expanding opportunities across private and professional spheres.
Morawiecki also addressed criticisms from opponents, calling out voices that undermine women’s efforts. He asserted that the government has valued women by creating assistance through maternity pensions and other related programs, thanking women for their daily contributions to society and the economy.
He warned against public figures who applauded feminism in rhetoric while failing to back it with concrete action. He invited attendees to remember past policies and to compare them with the current government’s commitments to family well-being, labor market access, career development, and healthcare support for women.
The congress, organized by former PiS MEP Andżelika Możdżanowska, brought together officials from regional administrations, representatives of rural women’s circles, and residents from Wielkopolska. The program spanned discussions on family life, community leadership, rural development, health, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the region’s diverse priorities. The event concluded with a performance by a local vocalist, echoing the festive tone of the day.
In a social post from the event, the Prime Minister shared a message about the gathering, praising the women present as capable leaders who multitask with efficiency. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with female professionals across sectors, noting that Poland benefits from their leadership and dedication.
What the discussions underscored is a broader trend: women are shaping Poland’s economic and social landscape, and the government is positioning itself to support that leadership through practical programs and ongoing policy innovation. The event reinforced a forward-looking view of family-friendly workplaces, equitable opportunities, and sustainable growth driven by women at the center of Poland’s entrepreneurial journey.
Overall, the congress reflected a commitment to recognizing and expanding the role of Polish women in entrepreneurship, governance, and community life, with a clear message that progress in the labor market and in earnings equality requires continued action and accountability across all levels of government and society.