On March 10th, ONA VE, in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada, organized the event Promoting the Empowerment of Women: Women in Public Life, Business and Leadership at Jable Castle.
The event was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, and the participants were also greeted by the Canadian Ambassador Francois Lafreniere and Alesa Mižigoj, owner and director of the company Medex and Honorary Consul of Canada in Slovenia.
The panel discussion was attended by Mateja Malnar Štembal, President of the ONA VE Association, Jelena Zelenovic Matone (Women4Cyber, Women Cyber Force), and Petra Juvančič, Executive Director of Združenje Manager.
Mateja Malnar Štembal emphasized that greater visibility of women and women professionals in the public space is crucial not only for fairness but also for the quality of public debate and decision-making.
The role models are the ones who pull the strings, and mentors can help young people identify and develop their potential. Gender equality is not a ‘women’s issue’; it affects all genders and society as a whole. That is why it is also important to understand the concept of feminism – it is not about the fight of women against men, but about striving for equal rights, opportunities, and benefits. When this is understood, it becomes clear that gender equality is not a victory for some and a loss for others – but a gain for society and democracy as a whole.
Human Rights Ombudsman Dr. Simona Drenik Bavdek stressed that women’s empowerment is not just a matter of equal opportunities, but a prerequisite for a fair, open, and prosperous society.
