Zapomniane bohaterki – kobiety „Solidarności”

Abstract

30-anniversary of the birth of “Solidarity” movement is a goof moment to take a look at the history again. This article attempts to analyse activities of women in underground structures and their involvement in trade union work. Female activists are often called “anonymous, unknown heroines” of the underground. In most cases, women have not become a part of the “Solidarity” legend. Only few of them succeeded in it. However, even they were aware of their inferiority, although they had actual power. Formal authority was in the hands of men. The women of the “Solidarity” movement were involved in publishing and editing of the underground press, distribution of illegal materials, hiding activists, taking care of the families of the oppressed and detained people, and they also were active behind the scene of great politics – they ran offices, accounting, archives, collected money. Women played a dangerous game with the Security Services, exposing themselves to repression, being arrested and imprisoned. They often used the “housewife” stereotype, which was helpful in carrying out the underground activity. Men perceived the activities of women as helpful, but of little importance in political sense. Due to that, a lot of women is not remembered by us today, becoming the forgotten heroines. The aim of this article is to keep their memory alive.