Feb 17 • 21:19 UTC 🇷🇺 Russia RT

Poland scraps ‘gender training’ course for military

Poland's Defense Ministry has withdrawn a controversial 'gender training' course for military personnel following criticism from right-wing politicians and discontent from soldiers.

The Polish Defense Ministry has officially announced the cancellation of a supplementary training course focused on 'gender perspectives in military operations.' This decision, communicated by Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, comes in response to significant backlash from right-wing politicians who opposed the course. The minister indicated that the program might have been implemented by his predecessors, thereby distancing himself from its inception. This move demonstrates the ongoing tensions in Polish politics regarding gender issues and military training.

Initially, the training program was proposed by the chairwoman of the Council for Women’s Military Service and had previously received necessary approvals from the ministry's human resources department. However, the introduction of this optional course ignited public discourse after local media highlighted its existence, revealing a divide in opinion. Soldiers who were aware of the program expressed discomfort and dissatisfaction, suggesting the training was not aligned with their expectations or needs.

The withdrawal of the gender training course reflects broader cultural and political sentiments in Poland, especially considering the rise of conservative ideologies that prioritize traditional values over progressive gender policies. The debate surrounding such initiatives often underscores the challenges faced by institutions attempting to incorporate gender relations into military practices, fueling further discussion about gender equality and representation within the armed forces. This incident could influence future training programs and military policies in Poland, as well as signal a shift away from broader gender inclusivity initiatives within the military base environment.

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