The nomination of Elzbieta Radziszewska for Governmental Agent for Equal Legal Status on March 7, 2008, the day before International Women’s Day, came as a surprise. At the time there was no legal ground for it, thus the scope of competences was not known until two months later.
The Agent is responsible for the coordination of the governmental policies with respect to equality. Poland is obligated by the EU Directive 43/2000 to set up an equality body to monitor discrimination and help the victims. According to prime minister Tusk Elzbieta Radziszewska was supposed to fulfill the task. There was much hope associated with her appointment as the Governmental Agent. However, after almost a year of Minister Radziszewska’s work it seems there is no clear vision of the anti-discrimination policy.
Left-wing political parties as well as NGOs working for women’s rights claim that Minister Radziszewska refrains from getting involved in controversial issues, including crucial matters related to women’s rights such as in vitro, maternity leave, and access to sexual education.
In addition, Minister Radziszewska did not succeed in preparing a draft law on equal treatment, which is much needed in Poland.
