A debate was held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the plenary session to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on November 25. PiS MEP Jadwiga Wiśniewska took part in the discussion.
Jadwiga Wiśniewska noted that this was yet another International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and yet the chamber was nearly empty. “Where are our colleagues? Where are the men?” she asked, pointing out that “passionate protests or wearing orange shirts as a gesture of solidarity with victims of violence” alone will not solve the problem. “If we’re saying today that violence must be combated, then we should consider how to do so. How can we effectively raise girls so that, as adult women, they never allow themselves to be beaten and know how to defend themselves effectively?” the MEP pointed out. She also emphasized the need to demonstrate that violence is an absolute evil and to break down harmful stereotypes and beliefs. “We must do everything we can to ensure that girls have a sense of pride, independence, and dignity,” she emphasized. The Polish politician stated that the issue of upbringing and courageously standing up to violence is of profound importance. She also highlighted the problem of hidden violence, citing as an example the recent murder in Belgium of a Polish woman and her two children. “A veil of silence has fallen over this, but we must respond and cannot remain indifferent,” she urged, calling for a vocal response to violence. “Let us rethink the curricula and educational programs in our member states so that they also address issues of self-defense,” argued Jadwiga Wiśniewska.
