Women’s Weekend – a movement that grows stronger every year

When thousands of women and men from across the region gather in the city of Rijeka year after year, it becomes clear that this is more than just a conference – it’s a movement that keeps growing. For the past three years, Women’s Weekend has been opening bold and necessary conversations on equality, leadership, visibility, and the changes shaping our society.

March 2026 will mark the fourth edition of Women’s Weekend – a conference that has grown into one of the region’s leading hubs for dialogue, inspiration, and connection. From March 5 to 8, in its now well-known home at Art Kvart in Rijeka, influential voices from across industries will come together to share experiences, exchange ideas, and celebrate community.

Over its first three editions, Women’s Weekend has hosted more than 2,000 participants and 300 speakers from around the world, featuring over 400 talks and panels on leadership, equality, and social innovation. Through the years, it has become a central meeting point for women and men who believe in dialogue and in building a fair and open society. It’s no surprise, then, that the upcoming 2026 edition promises to bring even bolder topics, stronger messages, and more inspiring speakers.

Stories that pushed boundaries

The most recent Women’s Weekend brought together an impressive mix of experience, knowledge, and emotion – from former heads of state and top executives to scientists, artists, and sports leaders. A highlight was the exclusive conversation between former Slovenian President Borut Pahor and former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, who captivated the audience with their reflections on power, politics, and the challenges of modern leadership – while also addressing the unequal treatment of women in politics.

From the United States came Ana Kreacic, Partner and Chief Knowledge Officer at Oliver Wyman, whose inspiring keynote emphasized the importance of systematic support for women in leadership. One of the most heartfelt moments of the festival came from the talk “Let’s Go Crazy… 35 Years Later”, in which beloved singer Tatiana Cameron Tajči shared her personal journey through fame, pressure, and self-discovery.

Global perspectives and inspiration were also brought by Khalia Collier, Vice President of the women’s NBA team St. Louis Surge, who said: “It’s wonderful to be here. Croatia is beautiful, and Women’s Weekend is truly unique – I’ve never seen anything like it, an international festival with such energy and excitement.” and Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, who added: “One of the most amazing things about being part of Women’s Weekend isn’t just joining a panel – it’s meeting so many brilliant women all in one place.”

A special impression was made by Anita Gerhardter, CEO of the Wings for Life Foundation, which has been funding cutting-edge research into spinal cord injury cures since 2004. “This is an excellent event. Men have been doing this for centuries – gathering to support one another. Women haven’t done it enough, but we must, because that’s when we become even stronger,” she pointed out.

The audience was also inspired by Dr. Marina Raguž, one of the few female neurosurgeons in Croatia, who spoke candidly about her experience working in a traditionally male field and the importance of initiatives that open leadership paths for women in science, concluding: “This is the place to be for any woman who wants to build her career.”

What to expect in 2026?

Four years after it began as an idea for an open dialogue, Women’s Weekend has grown into a powerful platform that connects, inspires, and drives change.

“When we launched Women’s Weekend, our goal was to create a space where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. Today, four years later, that space has evolved into a community that inspires real change – not just among us, but in society as a whole. That energy now echoes beyond the region, bringing together speakers from around the world and earning the support of the European Commission and the European Parliament. We’re incredibly excited about preparing the fourth edition – one that will be even stronger and more dynamic, with new faces, powerful topics, and stories that push the boundaries of what women’s dialogue can be. We’re especially happy to return to Rijeka – a city of openness and dialogue, now led, for the first time, by a woman” said Nevena Rendeli Vejzović, Director and Founder of Women’s Weekend.

The fourth edition of Women’s Weekend will once again confirm that this is not just an event – it’s a catalyst for change that continues to inspire the entire region and beyond. Rijeka remains the place where ideas turn into movements and inspiration becomes action – because the goal has never been just to talk about the future, but to create it together.

For more information about the program, tickets, and registration, visit the official Women’s Weekend website and follow their updates on  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.