In this panel organized by Local Girls Movement as part of Malta Festival, three women from different generations will meet to reflect on what independence meant to them in the past, what it means today, and how it shows up in everyday life. From the right to make decisions about one’s own body, to financial autonomy, and the courage to say “no” – independence takes many forms and wears many faces.

The conversation will be moderated by a representative of Local Girls Movement. In an honest, intergenerational dialogue, we will explore how women have reclaimed agency – in work, relationships, families, and both public and private spaces. The discussion will touch on freedom that’s not always easy, and the strength that grows when we learn to speak in our own voice.

Moderator:

Heronika Harzyńska – professionally works in design, with experience gained in marketing agencies and the branding studio Blürbstudio. Privately, she develops communication and marketing strategies for clients, teaches design at university, and trains others in visual communication. She is also the founder of Santa Grafika – a platform for meetings, workshops, and training sessions.

Panelists:

Agnieszka Dzikońska – lawyer and member of the Greater Poland Bar Association since 2003. She specializes in civil and family law, particularly divorce and property division cases. Graduate of the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań and former law fellow at the Catholic University of Leuven. Co-founder of the Czas Kobiet Foundation.

Barbara Fiałkowska – formerly a lawyer and journalist, now an actress, trend researcher, and motivator.

Ania Mierzejewska – the first editor-in-chief of Polish Playboy, as well as a documentary filmmaker and journalist for Uwaga! TVN.