INFORMATION ABOUT THE FEDERATION

      In 1992, the Federation was established by five organizations (the Pro Femina Association, the Polish Feminist Association, the League of Polish Women, Neutrum, and The Society for Family Development) in order to defend women's right to choose. At present, the Federation consists of nine member organizations:

"Pro Femina" Association
NEUTRUM - Association for Ideologically-Free State
Polish YWCA - Young Women Christian Association
League of Polish Women
Democratic Union of Women (Pozna Branch)
Association "Assistance Center for Families"
Educational Association Arbor
Family Development Association
Movement for Protection of Women's Rights

      The Federation Board consists presently of five members, each of whom represents one member organization. The Board meets at least once every three months. The Advisory Board consists of twelve members, including politicians from different parties, university scholars (Warsaw University Gender Studies), media representatives, and NGOs. Its role is to advise the Board and staff on the best political and strategic decisions for the organization. The Advisory Board meets 3-4 times a year.

      The Federation has four full-time employees on staff and approximately twenty volunteers. Volunteers work at the Hotline for women (counseling by phone on various aspects of sexuality) and during Open Days for Women and Youth.

      The Federation does not have individual membership. Polish law allows either individual or organization membership, not both. Formally, the Federation is an association of associations. However, the Federation has approximately 4,000 informal supporters throughout the country. These supporters receive Federation bulletins, participate in advocacy actions, and also contact us to propose actions that should be taken. All suggestions coming from our supporters and clients are carefully considered in the decision-making process.