Making Headway: Women's Substantive Role in Polish Business World

Gender inequality has been a concern for every nation across the globe. It is interesting to note that some nations and regions have made more progress than others in terms of eradicating gender-based inequality. Europe has always topped the list in regions to have attained substantial progress in moving towards gender equality. In the region, Poland has emerged as one of the top few countries striving to give women their rightful place in all aspects of life and work.

The Polish constitution ensures equal rights to its men and women. The country was also maiden nation in Europe to give women the right to vote. A key nation for feminist activism, Poland has marched ahead in bringing more women in the working sphere, also ensuring that they reach positions of power.

Poland has one of the highest numbers of elected women politicians. It also tops the list of nations with women’s representation in managerial roles (43 percent). More than 60% of the country’s adult female population is also employed.

Women in Poland are striving to make a space in their respective fields. One such notable name is Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Founder and CEO, Smart People. Featured in an insightful interview, Katarzyna is a seasoned professional with a master's degree in business administration and management from the University of Gdansk, where she also studied Information Technology and Economics. She also holds certifications in PRINCE2 Foundation. She has extensive experience in the SAP HCM and IT markets, providing services related to technology, team building, and recruiting highly skilled specialists from various fields. In recent years, Katarzyna has held senior management positions, including at the international level, serving as Regional Director for Eastern Europe at Zalaris and as CEO at Księgowi Sp. z o.o. She has worked with large Polish and international organizations, collaborating with companies in the UK, Scandinavian markets, and various other European markets.

In this magazine edition we also feature a conversation with Joanna Brassett, Founder and CEO, Studio intO. Joanna has a BA Hons in Product Design from Central Saint Martins and an MSc in Culture and Society from the London School of Economics. She has been a Visiting Professor at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and has taught at Central Saint Martins. Joanna has also served as a Senior Design Researcher at Seymourpowell and a Packaging Designer at Tin Horse Design.

Read more about these women leaders and the secret to their professional success.