Empowering Women’s Voices: Advancing Equality through the Women’s Weekend Initiative

stated Marina Medarić, Deputy Prefect of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, during the unveiling of the second edition of the Women’s Weekend. Among the esteemed speakers are the inspirational American author, Dr. Cat Bohannon, Lisa Carmen Wang, honored as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Slovenian activist, sociologist, and director of the Institute 8. Marec, Nika Kovač, Lana Djurkin-König, recounting her 20-year professional journey in global leadership roles focusing on security, and Murielle Nouchy from France, an experienced tourism specialist and member of the Femmes de Tourisme organization. These distinguished individuals are just a few contributing to women’s empowerment in society. Their presentations were announced during a press conference at the newly renovated and open City Library in the Art Quarter Benčić in Rijeka. The conference announced the second edition of the Women’s Weekend, scheduled from March 7th to 10th at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Art Quarter.

“When I considered launching Women’s Weekend, I knew I wanted to create a platform for women who play significant roles in both the business world and society, yet are often overlooked or remain in the shadows. There seemed to be a pressing need for such an event, as the impact of the first conference highlighted the importance of Women’s Weekend. Equality and the empowerment of women are our primary focus, and we are thrilled to welcome some of the most intriguing authors, leaders, and entrepreneurs from the region and beyond,” emphasized Nevena Rendeli Vejzović, the initiator and director of Women’s Weekend.

The upcoming Women’s Weekend will feature an exciting addition: the involvement of the European Commission, promising to enhance the conference’s impact. Andrea Čović Vidović, the head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, announced, “In partnership with the Commission Representation in Croatia, the Europe Direct Center, and the University of Rijeka, we will kick off the conference on March 7. Admission will be free for all attendees on this day. Our discussions will delve into the continued need for legal frameworks to uphold equality from a European perspective. We’ll explore why this is advantageous for women, men, and businesses in practical terms. To guide us through these discussions, we’ll have representatives from academia, the European Commission, and the business sector.” She emphasized the European Commission’s active initiatives in combating gender-based violence, dispelling gender stereotypes, bridging gender gaps in employment, fostering equal participation across economic sectors, addressing gender disparities in wages and pensions, eliminating gender biases in caregiving, and promoting gender balance in decision-making and policy formulation. These efforts extend not only across the Union’s member states but also resonate globally.

“As long as certain groups spend their Sundays fighting for inequality, the topics addressed at the Women’s Weekend remain profoundly significant. It’s imperative that we emphasize this, and it’s the responsibility of every responsible and progressive policy to prioritize these issues and engage in discussions about them. I believe there’s no better place than Rijeka for such discourse. Last year, we had an exceptionally enjoyable time, but we also learned a great deal. The fact that we’re here for the second year in a row is evidence of that,” remarked Marko Filipović, the Mayor of Rijeka. The city has proven to be the perfect location for the conference, standing alongside renowned Rijeka events after its inaugural edition and contributing to the city and county’s enhanced visibility.

Therefore, it’s expected that thousands of women and men will gather in Rijeka for International Women’s Day, a prospect warmly welcomed by Irena Peršić Živadinov, Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board, Petar Škarpa, Director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, as well as the Croatian Tourist Board and the technological partner A1 Croatia, who collectively provide support to the event through their active participation and contribution.

“We’re pleased to be part of the Women’s Weekend conference once again this year. We believe that women often offer unique solutions and perspectives. That’s why, at A1 Croatia, we currently have 46 percent of women in our workforce and an equal percentage in managerial positions. We aim to attract even more women, which is why we collaborate with universities and implement programs like A1 STEMfemme,” highlighted Kristina Ivišić, Director of the Corporate Sales Department at A1 Croatia.

Join us for three days of inspiring and educational panels, lectures, and fantastic entertainment during the Women’s Weekend in Rijeka, celebrating International Women’s Day! Don’t miss out on this exciting event happening from March 7th to 10th. Secure your tickets through the provided link and stay updated on the program and activities via our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day together in Rijeka!