Shining a spotlight on women in Croatia making waves

by croatiaweek
September 4, 2023
in News

FIRST20 project event (Photo: NP Brijuni)

Women who are the moral pillars of society, those who contribute much more than is publicly known about them. Women who live their passion and lead their own story independently of the chances given to them. Women who were mocked but succeeded. Those who stayed when it would have been easier for them to leave. All of them are an inspiration and proof that it is possible, even in Croatia.

The FIRST20 project is changing the game and putting the spotlight on such women from all fields of endeavour, including medicine, sports, entrepreneurship, social work, scientific achievements, preservation of cultural traditions, art, environmental and animal care, and many more contributions not only locally but to the community at large.

This national project unfolds in stages through local communities, in some of the most beautiful places and locations in Croatia. As part of it, women are treated to an elegant dinner and reception with a memorable atmosphere.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

The dinner is exclusively designed for them and is by invitation only, but the ambiance and inspirational messages through interviews with the dinner participants will be continuously available through official channels to inspire others and young women just starting their careers.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

On this first evening, under the patronage of the Tourist Board of the City of Pula and the Brijuni National Park, the following women participated:

JULIJANA FRANINOVIĆ MARKOVIĆ, neurologist and Ph.D., the most deserving individual for the development of palliative care in the Istria County.

EMINA PUSTIJANAC, dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula.

BREDA BIZJAK, award-winning architect with a vision for harmonising urban architecture and nature.

ELIS LOVRIĆ, singer-songwriter, writer, actress, and promoter of cultural traditions through art.

DANIJELA KASUMOVIĆ MARUŽIN, rehabilitation professor, instrumental in the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce.

PETRA KLIBA, the first Croatian regatta sailor to circumnavigate the world.

ĐURĐICA OREPIĆ, Croatian Ironwoman and motivator.

HELA LIVERIĆ, a farmer who radically changed her lifestyle and established a farm she has been running for 14 years after working as a midwife.

ANA GRBAC, a nutritionist actively engaged in working with young people.

MARINELA DROPULIĆ RUŽIĆ, a woman who motivates individuals privately and through her businesses using self-improvement techniques, with the goal of creating a talent discovery center.

ALEKSANDRA PEKICA, a woman who proves that diligent and versatile work on the land pays off, taking lavender cultivation on her estate to a higher level.

LINDA MILANI, a woman known for her work with young people, composer, conductor, and leader of choirs that have produced 22 CDs.

NEVIJA ŠTOKOVIĆ, dedicated to one company and one vision for over 40 years.

JADRANKA ČERNJUL, coordinator of the Safe House in Istria.

ANAMARIJA PRGOMET, a zero-waste educator promoting a waste-free lifestyle.

KATARIN JUKIĆ JAKOPIČ, a lawyer especially active in issues related to debtor protection through proposed amendments to the Enforcement Act and the protection of the sea and coastline.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

Several other women who were prevented from attending due to illness or private reasons were also meant to be part of the evening.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

The organisation and idea behind this project are the work of the HMU KOMBINAT association, which believes in dedication to work, diligence, and following one’s dreams with passion even in the face of challenges. All the guests at the event exemplify this in their daily choices and professions.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

A special menu was prepared by chef Priska Thuring, who recognized this initiative and decided to prepare another dinner outside of Stara škola, the restaurant where she currently leads the kitchen.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

The sense of community that emerged during this evening and the stories shared are truly an inspiration for new creations and pushing boundaries.

(Photo: NP Brijuni)

Sponsors of the evening were Rajska rajčica, Clai, Stara škola, Jana water, Matošević wines, Artisan gin, Catering Kvatrić, Chozen chocolates, Cristal Vision jewellery, Evelin cosmetics, Nacomi and From Croatia With Love.

More photos from the evening below.