Działalność Społeczno-Obywatelskiej Ligi Kobiet w świetle „Naszej Pracy” (1947–1949)

Abstract

“Nasza Praca” (“Our Work”) was an official periodical paper of the management of the League of Women issued from March 1947 till May 1949. Its main policy was transmitting information about the activities of the League, its political programme, and the scope of action among women’s circles in Poland. Although the periodical presented mainly issues connected with the political direction of the government, it remains a valuable source of information on the character, development and social and organizational changes of the League. In 1947 the press coverage tended to focus on women’s issues such as family problems, child care, professional courses and careers, charitable activities, obtaining state assistance or countering social pathologies. The magazine promoted joining the League. The idea was to attract as many women as possible. Women were recruited into the League through a variety of means, but 1948 and the beginning of 1949 was the time when women from different walks of life were bombarded with more propaganda than ever before. Propaganda posters and articles centered on ensuring successes of the League, urging women to “fight imperialism” and “protect peace”, as well as promoting women for “the good of the Communist Polish Nation.” The League used various recruiting tactics to encourage both educated and peasant women to join in. At that time the League was an organ of the PZPR (the Polish United Workers’ Party) and its statuses were in accordance with its ideology.