14:30h - 14:50h EXTENDED WEEKEND IN RIJEKA – AND GENDER EQUALITY Prof. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Ph. D. University of Rijeka Rector Andrea Čović Vidović European Commision Head of Media in Croatia, Deputy Head of Representation MODERATOR: Nevena Rendeli Prime time komunikacije CEO
14:55h - 15:05h THE COMMISSION’S FIGHT FOR GENDER EQUALITY Carmen Gruber, Head of Communications, European Commission Representation in Croatia Carmen Gruber Voditeljica tima za komunikaciju, partnerstva i mreže Predstavništva Europske komisije u Hrvatskoj
15:10h - 15:40h WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS Dijana Kesonja, Deputy Ombudswoman, Kristijan Kevešević, Deputy Ombudsman for Gender Equality and Associate Professor Dalida Rittosa, Department of Criminal Law, Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka. Dijana Kesonja zamjenica pučke pravobraniteljice Kristijan Kevešević Zamjenik pravobraniteljice za ravnopravnost spolova Assoc. Prof. Dalida Rittossa, Ph. D. Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka MODERATOR: Petar Štefanić Journalist and entrepreneur
16:10h - 16:20h GENDER EQUALITY – THROUGH EUROPEAN LAW Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sc. Adrijana Martinović, Department of European Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka Assoc. Prof. Adrijana Martinović, Ph. D. Faculty of Law, University of Rijeka
16:25h - 16:45h GENDER EQUALITY: UNIVERSITY AND SOCIETY Prof. Sanja Barić, Ph. D. University of Rijeka LLM Daria Glavan Šćulac, dipl. iur. University of Rijeka LLM MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
16:50h - 17:00h GLASS CEILINGS AND WOMEN IN BOARDROOMS – A DECADE-LONG STRUGGLE Tarja Krehić, Croatian Association of Women in Legal Profession Tarja Krehić Hrvatska udruga žena u pravnoj profesiji
17:05h - 17:25h WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND GENDER-RESPONSIVE BUDGETING Dr. Sc. Gordana Nikolić, Dean of the PAR Polytechnic in Rijeka, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ana Marija Sikirić Simčič, Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka Assoc. Prof. Gordana Nikolić, Ph. D. Assoc. Prof. Ana Marija Sikirić Simčić Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka MODERATOR: Petar Štefanić Journalist and entrepreneur
17:55h - 18:05h #NextGenEU – FACTCHECKING, MEDIA, AND GENDER EQUALITY Dr. sc. Brigita Miloš, Center for Women's Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Rijeka Asst. Prof. Brigita Miloš, Ph. D.
18:10h - 18:30h EMPOWER STAGE #NextGenEU AND THE BALANCE OF PRIVATE AND BUSINESS Nenad Antolović Direktor Riječke razvojne agencije Porin Judita Cuculić Župa MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
18:35h - 19:00h WESTERN IDEALS OF GENDER EQUALITY: IRREVERSIBLE? Prof. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Ph. D. University of Rijeka Rector H. E. William de Baets Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Croatia H. E. Jessica Blitt Embassy of Canada to Croatia and Kosovo Ambassador-designate MODERATOR: Andrea Čović Vidović European Commision Head of Media in Croatia, Deputy Head of Representation
19:05h - 19:25h ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, ROBOTS – AND GENDER: A LOOK INTO THE PRESENT Prof. Danica Kragić Jensfelt, Ph. D. Robotics and AI Professor MODERATOR: Nenad Antolović Direktor Riječke razvojne agencije Porin
19:30h EMPOWER STAGE CHECK-OUT AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EVENING PARTY: CARMEN GRUBER, EC REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE
10:15h - 10:55h CONNECT STAGE Beyond the 9-to-5: Enhancing Employer Support The presence of women in high-level positions is on the rise, as is their impact on the operations of various companies. Petra Salarić Researcher, designer and activist Zrinka Vrtarić Deloitte Legal Lawyer Tena Šimon Čolig A1 Head of Talent Management MODERATOR: Iva Majstorović Degordian Employer branding director
10:15h - 10:55h EMPOWER STAGE Women in Leadership: From A to Z As times and trends evolve, technology progresses, and societal values undergo constant scrutiny. Anita Cvetić Oreščanin Poslovna inteligencija Board member Anita Lacmanović SAP General manager Josipa Maslać Petričević Naftalina Enterpreneur MODERATOR: Ognjen Bagatin Manager, entrepreneur and entrepreneurial influencer
11:00h - 11:30h EMPOWER STAGE The Impact of Social Media on Authenticity Explore the world of social media trends: from "Mob Wife" to "Glass Skin" and "Tomato Girl." Slađana Ostić Influencer Iva Ančić A1 Head of Brand, Marketing Communications Department and Digital Business Nika Iličić Influencer MODERATOR: Andrea Andrassy Writer and influencer
11:00h - 11:30h CONNECT STAGE Work-life balance – myth or reality? Is there a balance between work and personal life? It is merely an idealized theory or an achievable reality? Bojana Gregorić Vejzović Actress Maja Vresk Bodalec Jamnica plus Director of Marketing Excellence Lejla Dizdarević In Shape Kineziologinja i ekonomistica Jovana Čutul Stručna suradnica na EU projektima, predsjednica i osnivačica udruge Žene za otok, predsjednica Povjerenstva za ravnopravnost spolova PGŽ MODERATOR: Jana Bubnič Arčanin Radio Korzo, Rijeka Glavna urednica
11:45h - 12:15h CONNECT STAGE Do the change What are the essential processes and strategies required to genuinely alter lifestyle habits, achieve personal growth, and enhance overall quality of life? Andrijana Slunjski Herbalife Nutrition President's Team Mirta Fraisman Čobanov PARTUS Academy CEO and manager Yvonne Vrnoga Gregorio Begić Entrepreneur, influencer and mother MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
11:45h - 12:15h EMPOWER STAGE Bad Bitch – 10 commandments to take control of your body, abilities and bank account A woman doesn't harness all her power from the moment she finally gets permission to do so, but from the moment she realizes she never needed that permission in the first place.
12:20h - 12:30h EMPOWER STAGE Exploration of “Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace” Based on a 2019 survey, it was found that fewer than 19 percent of women occupied seats on the management boards of Croatian companies, with only 5.3 percent in state-owned enterprises. Karla Grgić Totić Deloitte Senior Manager and Sustainability and Climate Country Leader
12:30h - 13:10h CONNECT STAGE Decoding Luxury Magazines – Are Women the Most Devoted Readers? Despite the waning popularity of print media, luxury magazines remain resilient. Jelena Veljača Jutarnji list Columnist Martina Rafaeli Storybook Editor in Chief Teodora Bogdanović Elle Serbia Editor in Chief Vesna Blašković Diva Journalist MODERATOR: Tonkica Rudan CSZ CEO
12:30h - 13:10h EMPOWER STAGE Women in buisiness Why are there fewer women in leadership positions? Why are women paid less than their male counterparts in the same positions? Helena Schmidt Deloitte Country Leader Ivana Marković A1 Senior Private Customer Director Ivana Mrkonjić Croatian Post President of the managing board of the Croatian Post Foundation Nataša Novaković Croatian Employers' Association Director for ESG MODERATOR: Petar Štefanić Journalist and entrepreneur
15:00h - 15:30h EMPOWER STAGE Navigating My Global Leadership Journey Meet Lana Djurkin-König, a leader with over 20 years of experience in national, international, and corporate security for major global companies like the Swiss-Re Group, EY, and DHL Group. Lana Djurkin-König Security Expert
15:00h - 15:30h CONNECT STAGE Femme du Tourisme – The Strength and Influence of Women in French Tourism What is the role and impact of women in French tourism? Get firsthand insights into how women lead and shape this crucial and dynamic industry. Murielle Nouchy mN'Organization Founder & CEO MODERATOR: Hrvoje Krešić Nova TV Journalist
15:35h - 16:15h EMPOWER STAGE The Longevity Quest: Living Longer and Better Longevity science is a burgeoning field and trend focused on extending lifespan while enhancing its quality. Ph.D. Željana Bolanča Bolanča Polyclinic Dermatovenereologist Vesna Mudrinić Satori Acupuncture Founder and owner Dr. Darija Vranešić Bender Nutritionist and Entrepreneur MODERATOR: Nevena Rendeli Prime time komunikacije CEO
15:35h - 16:15h CONNECT STAGE Unraveling Invisible Bonds: Systemic Constellations Do you understand what it means to be part of a system? Are you aware that each of us is interconnected within multiple systems, whether professional, personal, or familial? Amika Tomčić System constellations expert, consultant and entrepreneur Gordana Kastrapeli System coach, leadership consultant, NLP master trainer
16:30h - 17:10h EMPOWER STAGE Let’s talk about sex Excitement, orgasm, vibrator, clitoris, condom, lubrication, pregnancy, vulva, kink, normalcy, penetration, intimacy, oral sex. MD Petra Kejla Sinteza Polyclinic Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics Tanja Jurin Psychologist Dunja Kokotović LELO & INTIMINA Group Global Brand Manager MODERATOR: Ana Skinner Sensa Editor in Chief
16:30h - 17:10h CONNECT STAGE Diversity&Inclusion Gender equality, gender identity, diversity, inclusion - these are the topics we must address in our work environment. Paulina Ende Diageo Country Manager Central Europe Vedrana Sobotinčić Diageo Head of Innovation Commercialization EE Lana Šukunda Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Senior Associate MODERATOR: Petar Štefanić Journalist and entrepreneur
17:15h - 17:45h CONNECT STAGE Girl Bosses & Gatekeepers: Women in the Communication Industry Women's presence in the communication industry is marked by qualities such as emotional intelligence, communication skills, empathy, creativity, quick thinking, flexibility, and adaptability. Zvezdana Žujo Communis Co-owner and director Bojana Stanković Smart Vision Co-owner & Head of communications Aleksandra Dilevska Publicis Macedonia, Publicis Group Croatia i Publicis Group Adriatic Founder, executive director and COO MODERATOR: Irena Miličević Vukoja Founder of Woman.Comm Club and owner of Prefix agency
17:15h - 17:45h EMPOWER STAGE V for Vagina Menstrual poverty significantly contributes to the propagation of gender inequality. It represents challenging or entirely blocked access to menstrual products, adequate hygiene facilities (such as limited access to warm water, bathrooms, and waste bins), and public health services. Consequently, it impacts education while fostering stigma and shame surrounding menstruation. Iva Stefanovski Horvatić Customer Marketing for the Adriatic region Marija Trcol PaRiter Executive Coordinator of Paritera Maša Bašić Brand Manager, Libresse MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
10:15h - 11:00h CONNECT STAGE The Power of Networking Networking has become an indispensable element in career development. However, data suggests that women often have less developed professional networks compared to men. Ana Soldo DS Smith Grupa Subregional Executive Director Martina Bajs Čirjak Coach, Leadership trainer & HR consultant Nadja Schaps Horvat Implant Centre Martinko CEO Ivana Galić Baksa United Media Director of Marketing and Communications MODERATOR: Jasminka Horvat Manager
10:30h - 11:00h EMPOWER STAGE Save, Love, Spend (Wisely) What exactly is financial literacy, and how can it empower women to achieve financial independence? Eva Horvat Management Board of Raiffeisen Mandatory and Voluntary Pension Funds Management Company Dina Lijić Economist and lawyer Boris Vujčić Croatian National Bank Governor MODERATOR: izv.prof.dr.sc. Andrea Lučić Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business
11:05h - 11:35h CONNECT STAGE Nurturing from the Start – Raising Girls and Boys in the Balkans How can we instill moral and social values in future generations from their earliest years? Bruno Šimleša Sociologist and author Milica Stevanović Lifecoach and emotional release therapist MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
11:50h - 12:20h EMPOWER STAGE Beating Excel one sheet at a time – David vs. Goliath Excel is the most dangerous app in the world. It's used by >1 billion people and it's costing the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars. Matija Nakić Farseer Co-founder and CEO
11:50h - 12:20h CONNECT STAGE When Life Throws You a Curveball Sometimes, life deals us cards that push us towards giving up in the face of painful loss and loneliness. Nina Grilc Influencer and production company owner Tina Biloglav Studio Tinel and Studio Folder Architect and founder MODERATOR: Marija Mažar Stilueta Founder
12:25h - 13:00h CONNECT STAGE Exploring Gender-Based Leadership Principles: Do Disparities Exist? This panel discussion explores the definition and expression of traditional male and female leadership principles within business contexts. Ivanka Mabić Gagić Aleph Managing Director Daniel Šimić A1 Senior Director Enterprise Division Dimitrije Trbović Neostar CEO Gea Kariž Mastercard Country Manager MODERATOR: Sanjin Katinić Consulting Partner
12:25h - 13:00h EMPOWER STAGE Women in tech/ Breaking the rules Women thriving in male-dominated industries? Specifically, women excelling in true business realms! MAJANA HAVRANEK Product Manager, Mindsmiths Filip Šišić Google Engineering Manager Tea Žakula Head of the Laboratory for Energy Efficiency, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture MODERATOR: Martina Silov CroAI President
15:00h - 15:30h CONNECT STAGE Motherhood 2.0 Panel Discussion: "Motherhood 2.0", powered by Elle, delves into the profound interplay between motherhood and contemporary life, exploring the myriad challenges it presents. Andrea Načinović Avanture malih okica Founder and Chief Editor Dea Maria Računica Actress and doula Ana Čerenšek Performance psyhologist and mental trainer Milica Czerny Urban Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka University Professor MODERATOR: Jelena Veljača Jutarnji list Columnist
15:00h - 15:30h EMPOWER STAGE How the female body drove 200 million years of human revolution 1:1 How has the female body evolved throughout history and how does this evolution manifest in today's society? Cat Bohannon American author
15:35h - 16:05h EMPOWER STAGE Menopause Buzz – Embracing My Best Years Is menopause the end or a new beginning? How do we navigate new symptoms and bodily changes while our careers are in full swing? Milica Gacin Radio-televizija Serbia Journalist and presenter MD Lara Spalldi Barišić Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics Barbara Kolar MODERATOR: Marija Mažar Stilueta Founder
15:35h - 16:05h CONNECT STAGE GenZ & Me Too How has the Me Too movement shaped the views of the younger generations? Does Generation Z endorse this pivotal movement? Nika Kovač Author and activist Milena Radulović Actress and activist Nika Iličić Influencer MODERATOR: Ida Prester Presenter, musician, activist
16:20h - 16:50h EMPOWER STAGE Breaking Barriers Their work goes beyond mere obligation; it's driven by passion. These women are public figures, journalists, and activists committed to advocating for those in need. Danka Derifaj Nova TV Journalist Mojmira Pastorčić RTL Editor and anchor of 'RTL Direkt' Žaklina Tatalović N1 Journalist MODERATOR: Hrvoje Krešić Nova TV Journalist
16:20h - 16:50h CONNECT STAGE Civil education as the voice of equality Lana Golob Lucija Guščić Saša Lena Grozdanov Sonja Schirmbeck Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Director for Croatia and Slovenia MODERATOR: Petar Štefanić Journalist and entrepreneur
16:55h - 17:25h CONNECT STAGE Taking Time for Yourself Without Guilt Is "Me Time" a necessity or a privilege? Barbara Slade Jagodić SLADE Owner and mumpreneur
16:55h - 17:25h EMPOWER STAGE Mum, I’m a rich (wo)man 'Mom, I'm a rich man!' Cher replied to her mother in the 90s when her mother told her she should marry rich. Nevena Rendeli Prime time komunikacije CEO Maja Šuput Pjevačica i poduzetnica MODERATOR: Vladimir Preselj Millenium promocija CEO