The Evolution and Legacy of the Legal Aspects of the Activities of the Rural Housewives’ Clubs in Poland

The subject of this article is the analysis of the changes and the legacy of the legal aspects of the Rural Women’s Associations. Its specific purpose is to characterise their history, the legal forms of functioning: as associations, as independent Rural Women’s Associations and the changes resulting from entering into force of the Act of November 9, 2018 on the Rural Women’s Associations. The Author of the article used the dogmatic and the historical-legal methods. The Act of 2018 on the Rural Women’s Associations introduced numerous new legal solutions. Currently, the associations cultivate traditions, contributing to the rural development. They show initiative and build a good image of their area. The implementation of many activities undertaken by the associations is possible thanks to the financing granted from the state budget. Pursuant to the Act on the Rural Women’s Associations of November 9, 2018, a separate organisational formula was created for RWAs which constitute voluntary, independent and self-governing social organisations of village residents. Based on the previously applicable law, the Rural Housewives’ Associations could be created as part of agricultural associations as their independent units. They could also function in the form of associations. The legislator has granted the legal personality to the associations, which allows them to conduct business activity on their own account and use the financial support the public funds. The Rural Women’s Associations perform an important function in the rural environment. They support the integration of local communities, cultivate local and regional customs, develop women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas, combining tradition with modernity.