On May 26, 2026, caregivers of people with disabilities will march to key state institutions in Poland to protest against the lack of institutional support and systemic neglect.
A Mother’s Day of Protest
While Mother’s Day is traditionally marked by celebrations, mothers who act as primary caregivers for individuals with disabilities are turning the occasion into a social protest. On May 26, 2026, they will march from door to door, visiting state institutions to deliver letters detailing their struggles.
Many mothers caring for children with disabilities spend this day exactly like any other: balancing medication, rehabilitation, feeding, and overwhelming exhaustion. The organizers aim to highlight the reality of working around the clock, for life, without breaks, pay, or security.
From Unanswered Requests to Direct Action
The campaign, titled “As Long As We Live” (Póki MY żyjemy), began after the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy failed to meet with caregivers on National Caregiver Day, February 12, 2026. Inspired by the president of the Poznań-based Żurawinka Association, caregivers launched the “Expect a Letter” campaign.
This initiative prompted caregivers across Poland to share personal stories of the hardships inherent in 24-hour care. These letters, which demand dignity, safety, and systemic solutions, serve as the foundation for the upcoming march.
Demanding Systemic Reform
The march begins at the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights, a rare institution cited by organizers as having doors that remain open to them. Participants intend to deliver printed copies of their letters directly to the state offices to which they were originally addressed.
The “As Long As We Live” campaign seeks to establish that care is work. The primary goal is a shift in social perception, ensuring that caregivers are treated with respect and that the state fulfills its obligation to provide equal support to all citizens.