Women's Mobilization and Democratic Resilience: The Disappearing Gender Gap in Poland's Parliamentary Elections

This paper investigates the diminishing gender gap in voting behavior in Poland's parliamentary elections in 2023 and examines the pivotal role women have played in fostering democratic resilience against anti-gender policies. The period witnessed significant political shifts, particularly the rise and eventual decline of the Law and Justice party (PiS), known for its conservative stance on reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues. In the 2023 elections, women constituted an unprecedented 73.7% of the electorate, signaling a robust mobilization in response to restrictive abortion laws and the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights. This surge in female voter turnout was instrumental in bolstering parties that championed gender equality and liberalization of reproductive rights, such as the Civic Coalition and The Left. These parties incorporated clear policies supporting women's rights and LGBTQ+ equality, contrasting sharply with PiS's conservative agenda. The study explores how women's collective action—spurred by events like the "Black Protests" against restrictive abortion laws—served as a form of democratic resilience. It assesses the strategies employed by democratic actors and institutions to adapt their goals in counteracting autocratization efforts. By analyzing Polish National Election Study data 2015-2023, the paper identifies the pathways through which women's increased political participation has challenged anti-gender movements and contributed to the preservation of democratic norms. This case study of Poland provides valuable insights into the types of resilience that emerge at various governance levels when faced with anti-gender forces. It contributes to the conceptualization of democratic resilience from a gender perspective by highlighting the critical role of women's mobilization in defending democratic values. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing marginalized groups as active agents in countering democratic backsliding and offer lessons applicable to other contexts experiencing similar challenges.