Europe’s first lady of football, a global culinary icon, and a former U.S. Ambassador are coming to Rijeka
Europe’s first lady of football, a global culinary icon, and a former U.S. Ambassador are coming to Rijeka
In just a few years, the festival has positioned itself as one of the most relevant regional platforms for the exchange of ideas and open dialogue. In 2026, Women’s Weekend enters a new phase with a clear goal – to offer more content, deeper knowledge and practical tools for networking, skills development and professional excellence.
Strong titles, relevant voices
The announcement of Ines Najvirt’s participation confirms Women’s Weekend’s ambition to bring women who actively shape global processes to Rijeka. As Head of the UEFA President’s Office, Najvirt is involved in strategic decision-making that defines the future of European football – from institutional relations to policies of equality, ethics and transparency.
In a professional sports environment still largely dominated by men, she has established herself as one of the most important voices of inclusive leadership and long-term, sustainable change. Her professional journey is further distinguished by exceptional athletic discipline – she has completed 15 full Ironman races and qualified four times for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Her experience in elite sport has profoundly shaped her understanding of resilience, focus and mental strength – topics she will also address at Women’s Weekend 2026 through discussions on women’s leadership, ethics and diversity in the future of sport.
Alongside Ines Najvirt, Rijeka will also host Lidia Bastianich, a world-renowned culinary icon; Nathalie Rayes, former United States Ambassador to Croatia; and Carolyn Cowan, a British therapist, artist and educator.
Workshops – a new dimension of Women’s Weekend
The biggest news of the programme of this year’s edition is the introduction of workshops, designed as spaces for active participation, learning and personal growth. Alongside inspiring talks, Women’s Weekend will for the first time offer practical knowledge that participants can apply in their everyday lives and professional environments.
The workshops will cover topics such as recognising and leveraging business opportunities, financial literacy, making informed investment decisions, and parenting. A special emphasis is placed on clear communication, self-awareness and personal development – without self-help clichés or quick fixes, but with a strong focus on the real challenges of contemporary life.
Topics that reflect the Present
The fourth edition of the festival brings forward themes that strongly shape our daily lives, yet often remain outside the main focus of public discourse. Discussions will address the return of the female voice to the public space – without compromise or stereotypes – the position of women in traditionally male-dominated industries, as well as the transformation of leadership in a time of technology, acceleration and constant uncertainty.
Women’s Weekend continues to evolve as a movement that connects individual perspectives, professional challenges and the broader social context. The fourth edition goes a step further by opening new formats and content that expand both the ambition and reach of this unique event.
More information is available on the official festival website and on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.
