Global Croatian women gather in Zagreb to celebrate 10 years of Croatian Women’s Network

Members of the Croatian Women’s Network with former US Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nathalie Rayes (Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

To mark a decade of work and impact, the Croatian Women’s Network gathered prominent leaders from Croatia and around the world on 6 March at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb for the international conference “Advancement of Women. Advancement of the Economy. Realise the Potential!”, held under the motto “Legacy in Motion.”

The event brought together distinguished women from Europe, North and South America, Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and China to discuss the role and influence of women in diplomacy, politics, entrepreneurship, science, culture, the arts, humanitarian work and the armed forces.

Held on the eve of International Women’s Day, Zagreb became a hub for dialogue on the role of women in key areas of social and economic development. The gathering marked ten years of successful work by the Croatian Women’s Network and highlighted the strong global connections among Croatian women across the world.

The conference was officially opened by prominent Croatian politician and diplomat Marija Pejčinović Burić, who served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2019 to 2024. She was the first person from Croatia and the first from Central and Southeast Europe to hold the position, as well as only the second woman in the organisation’s history to do so.

Pejčinović Burić stressed that instruments for gender equality are essential for integrating gender-sensitive policies across all areas of society.

“Equality was not given to us, it was fought for,” she said, adding that further progress is needed to achieve women’s economic independence, equal pay and secure pensions.

A healthy economy cannot be achieved without gender equality, emphasised Martina Ciglević, adviser on economic affairs to Croatian President Zoran Milanović, speaking on his behalf.

She noted that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to remind society that gender equality is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for building resilient, progressive societies.

“The Croatian Women’s Network offers solutions and empowers women in all fields of activity. Its strength lies in solidarity, knowledge and perseverance,” Ciglević added.

Women in Diplomacy, Politics and Security

Panels focusing on the role of women in politics and diplomacy featured several prominent figures, including State Secretary at the Ministry of Demography and Immigration Željka Josić, Austrian Ambassador to Croatia Yvonne Tončić-Sorinj, politician and lawyer Vesna Škare-Ožbolt, this year’s recipient of the Influential Croatian Women award, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior Nevenka Lastrić-Đurić and Member of Parliament Nataša Tramišak.

Panel ‘Women in Politics’ (Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

Participants shared personal experiences and challenges while highlighting the importance of networking, mentorship and international cooperation in strengthening women’s roles in diplomacy.

Speaking on behalf of the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Romana Kuzmanić Oluić pointed out that the number of women in diplomacy is growing, but slowly.

Croatia currently has 23 female ambassadors and consuls-general worldwide, compared to 55 men.

With the next diplomatic rotation approaching, further strengthening of women’s representation is expected, particularly in complex circumstances such as those currently seen in Ukraine and Israel, where Croatian ambassadors Anica Đamić and Vesela Korač Mrđen serve.

Women also play an important role in Croatia’s defence and peacekeeping missions. In the Croatian Armed Forces, women make up around 15% of personnel, while they represent roughly 10% of those deployed annually in international operations.

Croatia currently participates in 10 peacekeeping missions and operations, with women making up 35% of Croatian participants.

At the end of last year, Croatia adopted its third National Action Plan for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, further encouraging the inclusion of Croatian women in international organisations, peace missions and operations.

Security, diplomacy and public policy were key themes throughout the conference.

Caroline Spivak, founder of the Croatian Women’s Network, emphasised that women’s participation in decision-making processes is both a matter of equality and a strategic necessity for modern societies.

“Times have changed. Women belong at every table,” Spivak said.

Although women make up nearly half of Croatia’s workforce, their representation in leadership positions remains relatively low. Only around 16% of women hold executive roles in the business sector, while their share on supervisory boards is about 23%.

In politics, women currently account for around 34% of members of the Croatian Parliament, while their representation in government stands at approximately 16–17%.

These figures show that women in Croatia still face challenges such as stereotypes, structural barriers and slow progress towards equal participation in decision-making.

At the same time, positive trends are evident, with women increasingly active in education, entrepreneurship, research and innovation.

Events like the Croatian Women’s Network conference play an important role in promoting networking, sharing experiences and strengthening international cooperation, thereby reinforcing the role of women in shaping society and Croatia’s future.

Homeland – Our Greatest Legacy in Motion

Key speakers at the conference included healthcare diplomacy and patient rights expert Jasna Karačić Zanetti, Nevena Ramić – the first woman appointed as a non-commissioned officer in the Croatian Air Force – Ivana Perkušić, Director of Public Policy Implementation for Immigration, actress and academic Vitomira Lončar, Latin American Croatian network CroActivas co-founder Jelena Nadinić and entrepreneur Sara Dyson, founder of the Expat in Croatia platform.

(Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

Ramić highlighted the importance of unity during the Croatian War of Independence, describing it as the most significant event in the nation’s history.

“The unity of women, as well as the unity of Croatia at home and abroad, was particularly evident at that time,” she said, adding that the homeland remains “our greatest legacy in motion”.

Ivana Perkušić presented new programmes launched by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration aimed at encouraging return migration, integrating newcomers and returnees, and supporting their participation in the labour market.

Recent amendments to Croatia’s Foreigners Act mean that Croats living abroad who do not hold Croatian citizenship are no longer treated as foreigners in Croatia and now have full employment rights.

An inspiring speech was delivered by actress, producer and scholar Vitomira Lončar, this year’s award recipient in the culture and arts category.

She encouraged women to embrace change at any stage in life, stressing that lifelong learning is the foundation of her personal philosophy.

Vitomira Lončar (Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

Lončar began her career at the age of 13, earned her doctorate at 54 and moved to China with her husband at the age of 57, securing a job just five days later.

She urged young women to pursue education, noting that her doctorate helped her adapt to a country where she never imagined she would succeed – particularly as a woman.

After recognising the absence of female entrepreneurship networks in China, she launched the country’s first women’s forum to encourage women to become independent and take control of their own careers.

Celebrating Croatian Women Worldwide

The anniversary programme began with a visit to Croatia House in Zagreb and a meeting with former United States Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes, who noted that only 25% of ambassadors worldwide are women.

“Countries led by women tend to be more prosperous, safer and economically stronger,” she said.

Rayes highlighted the need for strong support structures for women leaders, as well as support from men.

She also pointed out that women in Croatia graduate from universities in record numbers and hold more higher-education degrees than men, yet make up only 25–30% of the workforce.

Improved childcare, schools, early education and after-school programmes are essential to ensure their full participation in the labour market, she added.

Panel on Culture Heritage in Motion (Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

“There is no need to import labour. The workforce is already here – in women.”

The delegation also visited the Croatian Parliament, where they were welcomed by Marijana Petir on behalf of Speaker Gordan Jandroković.

“Women’s participation in public political life is vital because it represents work for the common good,” Petir said, encouraging more women to become involved in decision-making roles.

The anniversary programme continued at the Croatian Heritage Foundation, where two books were presented: Women Who Drive Change by Jovana Čutul and Guardianas de la Trama (Guardians of the Weave), a collection of 25 stories about Croatian heritage among Latin American women.

The delegation at Croatian Parliament (Photo: Croatian Women’s Network)

The central highlight of the anniversary celebrations will be the Influential Croatian Women and Future Leaders Awards, taking place on International Women’s Day, 8 March, at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb.

This year, the Croatian Women’s Network will honour 26 exceptional women from 11 countries.

“With every award we celebrate the legacy of excellence built by women – leaders, innovators and changemakers,” said founder Caroline Spivak.

“They are our legacy in motion.”