On October 3, 2016, Warsaw became one of the central stages of the nationwide Czarny Protest/Strajk kobiet (Black Protest), known as “Black Monday.” Tens of thousands of women and their allies took to the streets dressed in black, protesting against a proposed near-total abortion ban in Poland. The demonstration quickly grew into a symbol of resistance against government policies, with chants such as “My uterus, my business” and “PiS will not pass.”
The protest was met by pro-life activists, who organized counter-actions with religious symbols, anti-abortion banners, and prayers. This confrontation revealed the deep divisions within Polish society: between the feminist movement fighting for women’s rights and bodily autonomy, and conservative groups seeking to impose further restrictions.
The events of October 2016 marked a turning point in Poland’s civic mobilization. The Black Protest not only halted the proposed legislation but also became a milestone in feminist activism, drawing international attention and inspiring further waves of resistance in the years that followed.
