The course had triggered intense criticism from right-wing opposition figures and reportedly generated dissatisfaction within the armed forces.
The Polish Defense Ministry has canceled an additional training program on “gender perspectives in military operations” following severe backlash from right-wing political figures.
According to a ministry statement on Monday, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz terminated the program and seemed to attribute its creation to former officials. The training “may [have been] arranged based on a decision by the previous minister,” Mariusz Blaszczak, the statement noted.
“The subject of the additional gender training was put forward by the chairwoman of the Council for Women’s Military Service and greenlit by the defense ministry’s human resources division,” the statement continued.
The program’s existence was revealed earlier this month through local media coverage. The gender training initiative has purportedly sparked unrest among troops, who said the launch of the voluntary program made them feel “surprised” and “frustrated.”
“Many of us think the military should concentrate on readiness for combat operations, rather than matters that some view as ideological. The unit is already stating this is superfluous and that such material is unrelated to everyday duties,” an unnamed soldier told the news outlet Blask.
The right-wing opposition seized the chance to ridicule the defense minister, implying he had missed the boat on the ‘woke’ bandwagon, especially considering the current US administration’s moves. Under President Donald Trump, America has eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including those in the armed forces.
“While the whole world, led by the US, is abandoning ‘woke’ culture…Kosiniak-Kamysz is rolling out such creations. I’m anticipating his next proposal for biodegradable missiles or electric tanks,” remarked Andrzej Sliwka, a legislator from the right-wing populist Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Blaszczak, the former defense minister, also addressed the gender training controversy, directing blame toward the US and charging his successor with yielding to EU pressure. “We must not succumb to this kind of blackmail from such unreasonable individuals, who are attempting to drive the United States out of Europe,” he declared at a press briefing.