Kraków is Poland's second-largest city and a major cultural and economic hub which has emerged as a pioneer in gender equality policy implementation among Polish municipalities. The city's comprehensive approach to gender mainstreaming began taking shape in 2016 and crystallised with the establishment of the Equality Council in 2019 and the creation of the Plenipotentiary for Equality Policy position in 2021.
Introduced in 2021, the Krakowianki project - literally meaning “Women of Krakow” - represents an interdisciplinary approach addressing gender equality challenges across different sectors. The initiative is led by the Mayor's office through a dedicated equality department, working in close collaboration with the Equality Council, a consultative body that includes representatives from various city departments, NGOs, universities, and community stakeholders.
The program operates across multiple municipal departments including sports, culture, tourism, social issues, and health, ensuring gender perspectives are integrated throughout city governance. As an umbrella program, it encompasses numerous initiatives targeting workplace equality, sports participation, violence prevention, health improvement, and historical recognition of women's contributions to the city's development.