Zagreb, Croatia – The Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb was the vibrant setting for the Croatian Women’s Network™/Mreža hrvatskih žena’s annual awards ceremony, held on International Women’s Day. The event celebrated the achievements of distinguished women from Croatia and across the globe, presenting the prestigious ‘Influential Croatian Women’ and ‘Future Leaders’ awards.

Founder Caroline Spivak emphasized the growing prominence of women in crucial sectors such as politics, diplomacy, business, and science. She underscored the importance of women’s rights, empowerment, and equality as cornerstones of modern society, advocating for a world where knowledge and competence transcend gender.

"Despite significant strides, gender inequality persists globally," Spivak noted, highlighting that only 33% of leadership positions in Croatia are held by women.

Among the notable honorees was Željana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group. Zovko expressed her gratitude for the recognition, viewing it as a celebration of women who inspire and mentor future generations. She also called for urgent action to eradicate violence against women, including the criminalization of femicide in national laws and the achievement of equal pay.

The day commenced with the conference “Advancement of Women. Advancement of the Economy. Realise Potential!” themed “Breaking Barriers.” The conference explored the pivotal role and impact of women in politics, business, and technology, with a particular focus on addressing gender disparities in AI and innovation.

Martina Ciglević, representing the President of Croatia, addressed the audience, emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of gender barriers within institutions and culture. She urged employers to actively embrace diversity and create equitable opportunities for career advancement.

Romana Kuzmanić Olujić, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, commended the Network’s efforts in preserving Croatian identity abroad and championing women’s empowerment across all fields.

The conference featured insightful contributions from prominent figures such as Vesna Škare Ožbolt, a lawyer and politician who shared her experiences negotiating during the Homeland War, and Marija Selak Raspudić, a Member of Parliament who raised concerns about the sacrifices women make between career and motherhood. Ivana Perkušić from the Ministry of Demography and Immigration encouraged women to challenge the "glass ceiling" and foster a supportive environment.

Entrepreneurs from across Croatia showcased their impactful projects. Jovana Čutul, founder of “Women for the Island,” Tamara Jurković, a tourism expert credited with revitalizing Otočac, Gordana Nikolić, the sole female owner and dean of a higher education institution in Croatia, and Kristina Ercegović, a serial entrepreneur and business consultant, were among those who presented.

This year’s ‘Influential Croatian Women’ award recipients included Adriana Smajić from Buenos Aires, Lidija Ortloff from Harvard University, and Nevenka Komarica, an art historian from New York recognized for her significant contributions to Croatia’s tourism industry in North America.

Caroline Spivak concluded the event by celebrating the honorees as "boundary breakers," acknowledging their exceptional achievements, dedication, and unwavering commitment to promoting Croatian identity on a global scale.

The conference and awards ceremony were held under the patronage of the President of Croatia, the Croatian Parliament, and numerous government ministries and organizations dedicated to supporting the Croatian diaspora.