The 1st Women's Symposium for Polish women living in Ireland was held on 7th June 2025 at The Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
The idea for its organisation was born from the close relationships connecting women living in Ireland, who, through their work, talent, perseverance, and courage, achieved success and satisfaction despite various adversities, and then shared this with others. As the project's initiators – Mariola Mastek and Barbara Ożga – say, the aim of the Symposium was to create a platform for women in emigration: a place bringing together representatives from different backgrounds with diverse professional and life experiences.
Panels, workshops and delegates
The symposium included discussion panels, workshops, and artistic performances:
- Ceremonial opening of the Symposium – music: Katarzyna Kozłowska with her band.
- Panel discussion „From violence to power” – presenter: Anna Świątek.
- Workshop „Self-defence trails” – Presenter: Paulina Kmiecik.
- Workshop „On the trail of feminine power” – Presenter: Małgorzata Wojciulewicz.
- Art „Around the bend, or what awaits just around the corner” – Olga Anacka: A conversation about navigating change and female maturation, illustrated with examples from the author's artistic journey.
- Panel discussion „Reaching for the Stars – Women of Different Worlds” – conducted by: Mariola Mastek and Kasia Mikołajczyk.
- Lecture „The Feminine Path of Expression – Female Arousal and Sexual Response” Katarzyna Cieszyńska-Odedina.
- Lecture „On the fan of authentic feminine feelings and possibilities” – Aleksandra Hytroś-Kiwała.
- Workshop „Dance – embedding yourself in the rhythm of flamenco” – Anna Bochenek-Najda.
Women's Symposium Award Statues
The creator of the Women's Symposium Award, Karolina Di Duca, designed the statuette with courageous, sensitive, and authentic women in mind. For her, art was a story about emotions, relationships, and inner strength. The inspiration for the project was the idea of female support, solidarity, and sisterhood.
The sculpture depicts a woman in a white, flowing dress – a symbol of purity of intent and freedom of spirit. A golden ornament winding around the figure reflects the inner light, dignity, and beauty that blossomed through mutual support. Gold symbolises unity, strength, and the timeless value of femininity.
The statuette is both a work of art and a tribute to feminine intuition, empathy, and courage. It was created with the intention of honouring women who bring light to others and reminding us of the importance of solidarity and walking together.
The organisers of the event have declared that the Symposium will be held annually, which will allow for expanding support for women living abroad, both on a practical, everyday level and on a scientific level, as well as supporting the initiatives and development of Polish women living outside their home country.
Recipients of awards:
- Anna Wuczyńska
- Irena Suchecka
- Emilia Marchelewska
- Aleksandra Mastek
- Aleksandra Hytroś-Kiwała
The following received commendations:
Aneta Kubas, Jolanta Oliwiak, Kasia Mikolajczyk, Kasia Forest, Monika Baranowska Forrest, Beata Sokołowska, Agata Łaszczyńska, Olga Anacka, Wioletta Grzegorzewska, Krzysztof Mastek.
