Counting Down the Days to the Most Inspiring Weekend of the Year – the Third Edition of Women’s Weekend!

Just a few days separate us from Women’s Weekend, taking place from March 6 to 9 at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rijeka. Over the course of three days, Rijeka will become a hub of inspiration, meaningful conversations, and encounters that open doors to change.

For the second year in a row, the festival kicks off with a Zero Day, organized in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Croatia. This special day is dedicated to equality and equal opportunities in diplomacy, science, activism, and the business world. The program will take place on March 6, and admission on this day is free for all visitors.

Conversations to Remember

The official Women’s Weekend program begins on Friday, March 7, with a strong focus on personal branding and gender equality. From the U.S., we welcome Khalia Collier, owner of the St. Louis Surge basketball team and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Dallas Mavericks, along with Iris Diaz, Head of Marketing and Brand Strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will share how they have changed the game in the sports and marketing industries.

Iris Diaz

Dr. Marina Raguž, a neurosurgeon from KB Dubrava, will address the challenges and achievements of women in medicine and surgery through a discussion titled Stories from the Operating Room, powered by L’Oréal.

The panel The Truth About Obesity will bring together leading experts, including Prof. Dr. Boran Uglešić, a specialist in biological psychiatry, and Dr. Davorka Herman Mahečić, an endocrinology and diabetes specialist. They will debunk common myths about obesity and explain why healthy eating and exercise are often not enough for weight loss, especially for women over 40. Singer and TV host Renata Končić Minea will share her personal experiences.

Confidence and authenticity are key factors for success in the business world. But how do you build a recognizable personal brand while staying true to yourself? At the panel SISTERHOOD: Building Confidence Through Personal Branding, powered by Answear.Lab, industry leaders Manuela Šola, owner of the PR agency Komunikacijski laboratorij, Sandra Gašparić, country manager at Answear.com, and Tea Zavacki, business mentor and founder of #radimposvom, will share their insights.

Motherhood often looks idyllic on social media, but the reality is far more complex. The panel Behind the Perfect Photos: The Taboo of Postpartum Blues, powered by Libresse, will open an important discussion on postpartum depression. Panelists include Antonija Podnar, brand and digital marketing manager at Libresse, Ivana Klement, certified birth and postpartum doula and infant massage instructor, and Marina Matić, designer and entrepreneur.

Harassment of women in public spaces is a daily reality, yet it often goes unchallenged. The panel Stand Up Against Street Harassment, powered by L’Oréal Paris, will provide concrete steps on how to recognize and respond to such situations. Speakers include musician, activist, and L’Oréal Paris Stand Up ambassador Ida Prester, Karla Pudar, executive manager of the Solidarna Foundation, and Irena Šarić Dombaj, corporate communications director at L’Oréal Adria-Balkan. The day will conclude with the Afterwork Party Woman.Comm & Women’s Weekend, powered by Maraschino, with a special performance by Eni Jurišić and DJ Petko at the Stilueta & Women’s Weekend Party.

Premium Tourism, Digital Security, and the Future of Aesthetics

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, the agenda will focus on key discussions about digital security, entrepreneurship, and health, with a special keynote speech by Ana Kreacic, partner and Chief Knowledge Officer at Oliver Wyman and Chief Operating Officer of Oliver Wyman Group.

Former Slovenian President and Prime Minister Borut Pahor and former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor will discuss power and politics from two different perspectives, while Croatia’s most successful athlete, Janica Kostelić, will reveal what life looks like after a professional sports career in the panel The Second Act: Janica After Skiing, powered by Skechers.

Jadranka Kosor / Photo: Saša Zinaja, NFoto

Janica Kostelić / Photo: Neja Markičević, Cropix

Is Croatia ready to position itself as a premium tourism destination? This question will be addressed by Josipa Jutt Ferlan, General Manager of Hilton Hotels Zagreb, Opatija, and Dalmatia, as well as Director of Zagreb City Hotels, Andreja Vukojević, Director of the Tourism Sector at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, and Nikolina Brnjac, Member of the European Parliament, at the panel Can Croatia Become a Premium Tourism Destination?, powered by Stories.

Renowned nutritionist and clinical dietitian Dr. Richard Allison will deliver an exclusive lecture, Nutrition for Healthy Aging, explaining how diet can slow aging, support hormonal balance, and enhance long-term well-being.

In an era where digital security is more important than ever, how can we recognize fake profiles, online manipulation, and protect ourselves? The panel Digital Romance: How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams, powered by A1 Hrvatska #BoljiOnline, will bring together Iva Ančić, Head of Brand and Digital Communications at A1 Hrvatska, Predrag Šuka, Head of Multimedia Computing and Production at Algebra Bernays University, Daniela Trbović, television host and journalist, and Ivan Lovreček, producer and CEO of CGM Films Croatia.

Aesthetic medicine is undergoing a revolution—techniques are becoming more advanced, procedures are minimally invasive, and a natural look is the new standard. The panel How Women’s Voices Are Reshaping Breast Aesthetics, powered by Mia Femtech™, will feature Dr. Igor Višnjar, plastic surgeon and founder of Višnjar Clinic, and Vanessa Tello Oliva, Senior Marketing Director at Mia Femtech.

The program will close on Saturday night with the Hajde da ludujemo party, featuring a special performance by the legendary Tajči, who will also sit down earlier that afternoon with Milana Vlaović Kovaček to discuss why she left her music career at the peak of fame 35 years ago.

Women’s Weekend is More Than Just a Festival

In addition to a rich lineup of panels and talks, as well as amazing evening entertainment, visitors can explore the Expo Zone, participate in the Women’s Weekend Book Club at the City Library, and attend the book launch of “Letters to Little Milica” by Milica Stevanović.

In addition to a rich lineup of panels and talks, as well as amazing evening entertainment, visitors can explore the Expo Zone, participate in the Women’s Weekend Book Club at the City Library, and attend the book launch of “Letters to Little Milica” by Milica Stevanović.

Next weekend, Rijeka becomes the city of women—don’t miss the third Women’s Weekend!