Among the organizations Trump has cut off from U. S. foreign funding is Poland’s Feminoteka
“Over 250,000 złoty (€60,000) – that’s how much money we currently have frozen due to the decision of the president of the United States,” reads a post from the group on Facebook, as quoted by Do Rzeczy.
“These are funds that were planned to be used for professional support for women who have experienced sexual violence. Both Polish women and migrants,” the post continues.
At risk, the group claims, are its activities related to “running Femka: the only helpline in Poland for women after rape” as well as “training for employees who in their professional activity may have contact with people who experience sexual violence or violence in intimate relationships.”
Although the post focuses on sexual violence against women and “saving lives,” it is clear that the group also promotes trans and LGB ideologies.
“The targets are organizations whose work covers the areas of abortion, family planning, diversity, equality, integration, surgeries for transgender people or other non-life-saving assistance (it is worth emphasizing that most of the activities listed here contribute to saving lives),” reads Feminoteka’s Facebook post.
Joanna Gzyra-Iskandar, spokesperson for Feminoteka, did not miss the chance to personally lash out at Trump: “Donald Trump has been president for only two weeks, and he has already signed one document after another. The problem is that his one signature determines what happens on the other side of the world and affects the fact that women who have experienced sexual violence may not receive help. Of course, we are doing everything to prevent such a situation. At the moment, everything is working stably and efficiently, but we have to think about our financial situation.”
“If anyone has been following what Donald Trump said even a little as a candidate for president of the United States, they shouldn’t be surprised. This is part of the conservative backlash that we can see in various places around the world. It’s about moving away from the model of promoting equality, supporting women’s and minority rights. And doing it in an aggressive way.
“It’s monstrous that a man who is guided by such anti-values is sitting in the chair of the leader of the USA,” Gzyra-Iskandar said.
It is unfortunate that so many around the world have come to rely on American funds and of course sexual violence against women is an issue on a global scale. However, let’s also address the elephant in the room: Why in the world would this group not receive needed funding from their own country, their own government, or even private parties in Poland? Why is it up to the United States to make sure any such aid is received?
It is also worth noting the partisan nature of her attack against Trump. As the head of this Polish group that received American taxpayers money, there is no evidence she ever thanked U.S. taxpayers for their years of support. Instead, she attacks the leader of a country not her own, calling him “monstrous,” saying he is “guided by anti-values,” and claiming he is unfit to be president. This is not usually the way you speak to the country that has been bankrolling your operations.
A quick visit to Feminoteka’s website gives us the short bio for “feminist” Joanna Gzyra-Iskandar, dreadlocked and proudly posing with a Pride flag. “As an activist, she works in the areas of combating gender-based violence, access to safe abortion and LGBTQ+ rights,” we read.
Oddly, the site presently seems to have zero reference to abortion or trans/gay topics, although it is perhaps buried somewhere. A shop linked to their site selling bath products and creams features text reading: “Feminoteka has been supporting women after violence since 2005. We provide free legal and psychological advice, conduct therapy, and support them financially. (…) Buy our products and leave a trace of goodness.”
Their post on Facebook clarified they receive zero funding from the Polish government, which is currently run by left-liberals who support abortion rights, thus their calls for people to contribute given U.S. aid has been cut off. Good for them, and good luck.
