What does it mean to be a woman in the 21st century? The next edition of the biggest Polish-French economic forum will take place on the 24th of May.

Participants will discuss the role of women in the 21st century in economic, political, as well as in social terms.

Almost 300 guests, representing business, politics, science and the media will take part in this year's edition of the Warsaw Debates. The event, which takes place just before the elections to the European Parliament, will be an opportunity to look at the position of women from the perspective of France and Poland. Women play a key role in the culture and traditions of both countries - the French Marianne led the people to the barricades, and Polonia, a personification of the Homeland, has become a permanent part of the tradition of Poland’s struggle for independence. However, are these images still valid in the contemporary world? How do women perceive themselves, and how do society or the business world see them? What is the role of the state concerning equal treatment of women and men and what are the solutions in this field applied in Poland and in France? The answers to these questions will be sought by guests invited to the debate. Among them, prominent French intellectuals: Luc Ferry, philosopher, former Minister of Education, and Jean Marie Cavada, MEP, journalist, former President of Radio France. The voice of the business community will also be represented. Alexandre Bompard, President of the Carrefour Group worldwide, Magdalena Kruszewska, President of Sanofi Polska, and Jean-François Fallacher, President of Orange Polska and of the CCIFP will share their experience. Representatives of the government, headed by Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz, have also been invited to participate in the debates. More information and registration at www.spotkaniawarszawskie.pl.