International Women’s Day: Celebrating Slovenia’s Trailblazing Women

From historical trailblazers to contemporary visionaries, Slovenian women have left an indelible mark on the fabric of the country, shaping culture, innovation, and progress. Below are just a few stories and experiences originating from Slovenia that are led by extraordinary women. 

Ana Roą: Culinary Visionary 

 Previously working in international relations before moving to Kobarid for love,  Ana Roą is hailed as one of the world’s foremost female chefs. After appearing on the Netflix series Chef’s Table in 2017, Roą rose to international acclaim and turned former village inn, Hiąa Franko, into a gastronomic institution that has been awarded three Michelin stars since Roą’ tenure. Roą’s culinary journey is a testament to her passion and creativity, finding inspiration in the traditional culinary delights of the Soča River Valley. 

Alma M. Karlin: The Globetrotting Writer 

A woman of strong will and spirit, Alma M. Karlin travelled the world armed with little more than her typewriter and determination. Originally from Celje, Karlin’s eight-year odyssey yielded a wealth of articles and books documenting her exotic adventures, which were published in various countries and used in lectures at different universities around Europe. Her work is showcased at Celje Regional Museum and her house, which visitors can go to. 

 Ilka ©tuhec: Alpine Champion 

As one of the best female downhill skiers in the world, Ilka ©tuhec is a force to be reckoned with. Despite a number of injury setbacks throughout her career, ©tuhec’s resilience and determination propelled her to be one of the few female Alpine skiers in the world to win gold at two consecutive world championships and the title of ‘World Downhill Champion’. 

 Idrija Lace: A Heritage of Elegance 

Idrija lace is a centuries-old form of bobbin lace that started in the region of Idrija more than three hundred years ago. The practice is recognised by UNESCO as part of their Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is continually celebrated in Slovenian culture today through their annual Idrija Lace Festival. The knowledge of lacemaking has been passed down from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters, and at the beginning of the 20th century it’s thought that the majority of women in Idrija were making lace as a form of steady income. Today, visitors can learn to make the lace themselves by visiting the Idrija Lace School, the oldest still active lacemaking school in the world, featuring an exhibition of the handmade Idrija lace that has been done by students. 

 Female-Led Handicrafts in Ljubljana 

A wonderful and unique way to experience the timeless charm of the capital city, Ljubljana, is through hands-on experiences with the city’s artisans and creators. Weaving was once a widespread craft for clothes making in Slovenia, with almost every household having its own loom. Visitors to Ljubljana can try their own hand at this at one of the rare weaving studios that still exists. The workshop is led by Mojca Tomąič, a seasoned weaver who has been working at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum (SEM) for almost 20 years. Together with her friend Barbara Lapuh, the pair create wonderful fabrics which in turn become one-of-a-kind products such as handbags, rugs and shawls. 

 Another recommended session at SEM are the pottery workshops run by academy-trained sculptor and ceramic designer Eva Peterson Lenassi’s in her pottery studio. The workshops can be done solo or in pairs. The studio also serves as a classroom and sales gallery, showcasing earthenware and small-batch art production.