„A vindication of the rights of woman” – activity of watchdog organisations in the area of reproductive rights in Poland

Abstract

The article discusses watchdog activities in the area of reproductive rights undertaken by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Poland. This analysis covered the activity of two organisations: Childbirth with Dignity Foundation and Federation for Women, and Family Planning, which were selected for the study due to both of the history and scope of their activity. The different types of watchdog actions undertaken by both NGOs were identified and examples of observation and monitoring, whistleblowing, interventions, legal and political actions and activity in field of education and social activisation are presented. Both watchdog organisations are active on the macrostructural level influencing the politics, legal regulations and social awareness as well as the mezzo- and microstructural level by controlling public institutions in the local communities and supporting and empowering individuals. They not only vindicate women’s rights, but also encourage and prepare women to react to violations of their reproductive rights.