LIBERTY Częstochowa, the largest Polish producer of low-carbon GREENSTEEL, has been awarded the Mieczysława Biegańska Equality Award by the Mayor of Częstochowa for its support to Ukrainian refugees.

The Award was presented by the Mayor of Częstochowa, Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk, to Krishnamoorthy Venkatasubramanian, the General Director of LIBERTY Częstochowa, at a gala event held at the city’s Adam Mickiewicz Theatre on 24 October. The business was recognised for the award following its loan of an office building to the city, which made it possible to create a safe asylum for people fleeing war-stricken Ukraine. LIBERTY Częstochowa also financed the supply of utilities and ongoing repairs at the building.

Mieczysława Biegańska (1866-1954) was a teacher, social and educational activist, who was involved in activities for equal rights for women and the granting of suffrage. The Equality Award in her name was established by Mayor Matyjaszczyk in 2018 and is awarded once a year to individuals, companies or organizations for working for equal opportunities and against discrimination. It is intended to encourage the public to be active for equality, human rights and respect for minorities.

Krishnamoorthy Venkatasubramanian said: “The management of LIBERTY Częstochowa, moved by the drama of Ukraine and the huge influx of refugees to Poland and to our city, lent the building free of charge to the City Council, which was organizing support for those refugees. We are happy and proud that we have been able to help bring sanctuary to these people at their time of most desperate need.”

From March to September, during the peak of the refugee influx, several hundred Ukrainians, mostly mothers with children, took advantage of the opportunity to live at the building. The refugees were also supported by the steelworkers’ unions. The guarantee of a safe haven made it easier for them to adapt, learn the language or seek employment. Some of the refugees have now decided to stay in Częstochowa for the long term having found work.