Exploring Rural Community Activism: Rural Women's Circles in Poland
Exploring Rural Community Activism: Rural Women's Circles in Poland

Author(s): Barbara Kiełbasa
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Agriculture, Sociology, Evaluation research, Rural and urban sociology, Economic development, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: rural women; entrepreneurship; social activities; rural areas
Summary/Abstract: There is currently a debate in academic research and in the EU forum about the role of social entrepreneurship in rural development. The Rural Women's Circles has been emphasized for its contribution to positive change in the countryside and for preserving the customs and traditions of regions in Poland and Europe for more than 100 years. These organizations work for the benefit of local communities by providing various services, engaging in reintegration, and creating jobs for excluded people. Many of these organizations are active in promoting culture, tradition, tourism, and other social activities in rural areas. A new area of research is emerging, covering social and economic issues, including entrepreneurship and management. This article aims to highlight the significance of Rural Women's Circles in Poland and Europe and to analyze the changes in the number of these entities. The research was conducted in Poland in 2024 using an online survey method (CAWI) and a total of 304 respondents were obtained. They were women (100%), members of rural woman circles. The survey was anonymous and focused on activities undertaken by women in villages and their motivations. The article presents the most important areas of activities of these entities. The activities of village women's circles are usually dictated by an internal need and their action is usually “bottom-up”. Self-motivation, friendship, and the desire to help the neighborhood are the main drivers for the establishment of rural women's circles in Poland (and Europe). Today's rural women's circles are formed by young women who are active and united by common goals. This is not only to cultivate traditions but also to develop the region and self-career. KGWs apply for various projects, thus acquiring funds for the realization of various goals. Directions for further research and research hypotheses formulated based on the literature analysis are also presented. The conclusions presented in this thesis can also become a guideline for other European countries where the rural women's movement is still in its infancy.

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