Janina Ochojska-Okońska (born 12 March 1955) is a Polish astronomer, humanitarian and social activist, who serves as a Member of the European Parliament (2019–present). She is founder and director of the Polish Humanitarian Action (1992–present). In 1980, she graduated in astronomy from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, until 1984 she worked at the Astrophysics Laboratory at the Polish Academy of Sciences. From the late 1970s, she was associated with the democratic opposition; she cooperated with the independent Social Library of Antoni Stawikowski. She joined “Solidarity” in 80s, after the introduction of martial law engaged in the distribution of underground publications, as well as the activities of the local committee dealing with the assistance of victims of repression and their families. She was disabled from early childhood (Polio). As a volunteer she was active for the EquiLibre foundation, searching for contacts and coordinating assistance for Poland. In 1989, she was one of the founders of the Polish branch of the EquiLibre Foundation. In 1992 she organized a convoy of Polish aid for the former Yugoslavia. In 1992, she also founded the Polish Humanitarian Action, where she assumed the post of president. In 2000, an extended interview with Janina Ochojska was conducted by Wojciech Bonowicz and published as a book (Heaven is different), then in 2015 another one, conducted by Marzena Zdanowska (The World According to Janka).
