From March 5-8, 2026, Rijeka served as a regional stage for leadership, inspiring ideas, and conversations shaping society
Three days of inspiration, more than 1,500 participants, and over 100 speakers from Croatia and around the world – the fourth edition of Women’s Weekend has once again transformed Rijeka into one of the most important regional meeting points for ideas, inspiring individuals, and conversations that drive change. The program featured a wide range of topics – from financial independence, leadership, and technology to pop-culture phenomena like digital “brainrot,” as well as serious social issues such as femicide and violence against women. A new program segment – interactive workshops – also drew significant interest from participants.
Without filters and without silence: Shame, the body, and social responsibility
One of the festival’s most important discussions opened the question of femicide and social responsibility. The panel “We Failed! – Femicide: Where did we go wrong and what must society do?” featured attorney Una Zečević, theater director and professor at the Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek Anica Tomić, and Ana Pecotić, therapist, activist, author, and owner of the House of Branding agency. In conversation with journalist Hrvoje Krešić, the participants warned that narratives romanticizing violence are deeply rooted in culture and society, and that the system often fails to react decisively enough. “For centuries, culture and literature have romanticized jealousy and obsession, portraying violence as a ‘crime of passion,’ thereby normalizing such patterns in society,” emphasized Anica Tomić. Ana Pecotić pointed to concerning social attitudes, citing data showing that 31 percent of Gen Z men believe a woman must obey a man, while as many as 43 percent of girls from the same generation think it is normal for a man to slap them once. The conclusion was that change begins with personal and social responsibility – starting with the way we raise new generations.
The words the media choose when reporting on violence against women can directly shape how society understands femicide – this was the key message of the panel “The Neighbor Said He Was Nice and Polite.” Speakers on this topic included Ema Branica (Nova TV), Karla Pudar (SOLIDARNA Foundation), Tamara Stojanović (N1 Serbia), and Jelena Veljača (Elle Croatia), moderated by Ilija Jandrić. “Editors can always decide which path to take – it is not necessary to resort to sensationalism; it is possible to report on these topics with dignity and responsibility,” noted Ema Branica, while Karla Pudar reminded that “femicide is not just a statistical number because behind every victim are a family and a community.”
At the “Glitter, Gambling and Grace” panel, trauma therapist, advanced yoga teacher, and coach Carolyn Cowan spoke openly about the personal experiences that shaped her life and professional work. She touched upon addiction, identity, and shame – an emotion that often remains hidden but strongly affects how we perceive ourselves and the world. “Shame is never just a single event – it spreads like ripples in water and begins to shape how we live and perceive ourselves,” Cowan noted, warning that such patterns are often passed down through families and society. “Sometimes we unconsciously start viewing ourselves the way our parents did – and that is how we pass shame along.”
How much social media shapes our perception of our own bodies was the theme of the panel “Trends Pass, but Corrections Remain: Beauty, Filters, and Real Decisions,” powered by EDC MOTIVA. The relationship between digital trends, the perception of beauty, and medical responsibility was discussed by Filip Bosna, General Manager for EMEA Distributor Markets, Dr. Rebeka Held, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of the Dr. Rebeka Held Polyclinic, and Lena Mrđen, Business Unit Manager at Orbico Croatia and host of the GEN B podcast. In conversation with Antonija Blaće, participants warned that social networks create unrealistic appearance expectations and encourage a constant search for new aesthetic ideals. “A new aesthetic trend appears on social media every week – creating a true cacophony of expectations,” said Lena Mrđen, while Dr. Rebeka Held added that this pressure particularly affects younger generations: “There is a massive gap between the image we see on the screen and what we see in the mirror – and that is precisely where frustration arises.”
The closing panel of this year’s Women’s Weekend, “Leave Me Alone!”, brought together influencer Meri Goldašić and TV hosts Antonija Blaće and Mia Kovačić for an open conversation about the pressure of perfection, the culture of commenting on women, and the need to set clear personal boundaries. On the festival stage, alongside moderator Nevena Rendeli Vejzović, the participants spoke openly about the expectations imposed on women by society, media, and everyday life, and the importance of authenticity and personal choice. “Social pressure comes from all sides – from family and friends to media and social networks,” noted Mia Kovačić, recalling a situation where her name suddenly appeared in headlines related to the international “Epstein Files” affair without anyone contacting her or verifying the information beforehand. The participants agreed that many women spend years trying to fulfill others’ expectations – partners, families, or society – often at the expense of their own authenticity. “When I stopped trying to be what others expected of me, that’s when I truly became happy,” concluded Meri Goldašić.
Three days of powerful conversations, ideas, and inspiring moments
Over the course of three days, the festival delivered a series of powerful conversations, inspiring stories, and moments that thrilled the audience. Special attention was drawn by global culinary icon and Emmy-winning chef Lidia Bastianich, who, in conversation with Antonija Blaće, spoke about her life journey from Istria to the United States, as well as the power of food as a universal language of connection. “My childhood was filled with the scents and flavors of rural life, and it was those memories that later led me toward cooking,” said Bastianich, adding that food always brings us back to what is most important – togetherness.
The Deputy Governor of the Croatian National Bank, Dr. Sandra Švaljek, participated in the panel “What Do We (Not) Know About Investments? – How Women Shape Long-Term Financial Security,” where, alongside Dr. Eva Horvat, a member of the Management Board of Raiffeisen Pension Insurance Company, she spoke about savings, pensions, and investments in times of inflation and market uncertainty. “Financial security doesn’t happen by chance – it is the result of informed decisions, long-term planning, and understanding risks,” emphasized Švaljek.
One of the most striking conversations of the festival was the “Six–Seven” panel, dedicated to Generation Z and digital saturation. The impact of algorithms, infinite scrolling, and digital trends was discussed by Jakov Jozinović, a representative of Gen Z, Iva Ančić from A1 Croatia, Dr. Hrvoje Handl, psychiatrist and psychotherapy subspecialist, and Biljana Borzan, a Member of the European Parliament. “The internet is increasingly becoming a sort of third parent because algorithms strongly influence the emotions and behavior of young people,” warned Dr. Handl.
A festival that builds community
Alongside powerful panels and open discussions, Women’s Weekend once again brought an energy to Rijeka’s Art District that didn’t stop when the daytime program ended. Conversations continued in hallways, at gatherings, and evening events, confirming that the festival has become a place for meeting, exchanging ideas, and creating new collaborations. The highlight of the evening program was the Women’s Weekend Party at Rijeka’s Pogon Kulture, where ToMa and his special guest Ružica Maurus staged a musical spectacle that delighted the audience.
The fourth edition of Women’s Weekend once again confirmed its position as one of the most important regional platforms focusing on women, while also encouraging a broader social dialogue on equality, business, and the future.
