Influential Croatian women worldwide honoured

Caroline Spivak with the award winners

ZAGREB, 9 March 2025 – The Croatian Women’s Network™/Mreža hrvatskih žena held its annual awards ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Zagreb on International Women’s Day.

The event honoured distinguished women from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Belgium, the United States, and Argentina with the prestigious ‘Influential Croatian Women’ and ‘Future Leaders’ awards.

Founder Caroline Spivak highlighted the increasing role of women in politics, diplomacy, business, and science.

She stressed that women’s rights, empowerment, and equality are fundamental values of modern society, adding that knowledge and competence should not be gender-defined.

Caroline Spivak

Despite progress, women still face inequality worldwide, with only 33% of leadership positions in Croatia occupied by women.

Among the honourees was Željana Zovko, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the EPP Group. She expressed gratitude for the award, recognising it as a celebration of women who inspire and mentor younger generations. Zovko called for the eradication of violence against women, the inclusion of femicide in national laws, and equal pay for women.

Before the awards ceremony, the Croatian Women’s Network hosted the conference “Advancement of Women. Advancement of the Economy. Realise Potential!” under the theme “Breaking Barriers.” The conference focused on the position and impact of women in politics, business, and technology, especially in AI and innovation, where gender inequality remains a challenge.

Martina Ciglević, a representative of the President of Croatia, emphasised that gender barriers are deeply rooted in institutions and culture. She urged employers to recognise the value of diversity and create equal opportunities for career advancement.

Martina Ciglević

Romana Kuzmanić Olujić, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, praised the initiative for preserving Croatian identity abroad and supporting women’s empowerment in all fields.

Notable contributions came from 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 warned that many women are sacrificing motherhood for careers. Meanwhile, Ivana Perkušić from the Ministry of Demography and Immigration encouraged women to stop reinforcing the “glass ceiling” and support each other.

The Croatian Women’s Network celebrated its 10th anniversary in the company of influential Croatian women

Entrepreneurs from across Croatia presented their projects, including Jovana Čutul, founder of “Women for the Island,” Tamara Jurković, a tourism expert who revitalised Otočac, Gordana Nikolić, the only female owner and dean of a higher education institution in Croatia, and Kristina Ercegović, a serial entrepreneur and business consultant.

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 who significantly contributed to Croatia’s tourism industry in North America.

Panel women in politics and diplomacy – from left:  Dalia Alić, Marija Selak Raspudić, Vesna Škare Ožbolt and Ivana Perkušić

Caroline Spivak concluded by recognising these women as “boundary breakers”, celebrating their achievements, dedication, and commitment to promoting Croatian identity worldwide.

The conference and awards ceremony were held under the patronage of the President of Croatia, the Croatian Parliament, multiple government ministries, and organisations supporting the Croatian diaspora.