EUW sv Slovenia 2006

Europe Alive Slovenia 1^st to 4^th June 2006

UK report.

In May 2006, forty-five ladies from 10 European countries met in Ljubljana, the Capital of Slovenia for a four-day visit. It really wouldn’t be fair to describe any one part of the visit as a highlight – it was peppered with them. The visit to the Parliament Building on our first full day being just one. The building (completed in 1959) is home to the National Assembly and National Council – Slovenia’s equivalent to our Houses of Parliament. Constructed in local materials, including Karstic marble and green granite it houses two assembly halls. The larger one where up to 150 politicians can be seated in the circular forum, fitted with the latest electronic equipment to record attendance and accurate voting of individuals.

Events had been co-ordinated by Mrs Nadia Skuk, a former Slovene MP and EUW member. Her commitment and enthusiasm to both EUW and Europe Alive was to be admired. Our visit included a welcome by The Chairman of State Council, Mr Janez Susnik, a tour of the building, and meeting the President of the Slovene Parliament, Mr Cukjati. It was clear that both the Slovene EUW and the Slovene Government both genuinely welcomed us wanted to encourage the exchange of knowledge amongst women throughout Europe. This was endorsed by the calibre of Government officials who gave a series of informative presentations.

A representative of the Slovenia Democratic Party, and one of Slovenia’s youngest politicians and an MEP told us the National Party of Slovenia had 13% women politicians. She explained that in order to redress this imbalance of male: female ratio of MPs and MEPs, the law had been changed for local elections. As a result, candidate lists must now include at least 20% women. This figure is to increase year on year, so for 2007, any elections will require at 30% female candidates!

Another speaker, also an MEP explained that women are increasingly securing more senior management jobs and already surpass men in their academic achievements. However, unemployment for women still remains higher than for men. Interestingly, despite this, unemployment of women in Slovenia is still less than that in other Europe’s countries! The government are actively developing more parent-friendly policies and both parents now receive maternity/paternity benefits. We were told that a key area of concern for Slovenia, as a relatively new member of the EU, is the request for membership from ‘third world’ countries who continue to allow ‘honour murders’, Slovenia felt it was critical that they adjust their values of a woman’s status before gaining EU membership.

Following the Parliamentary tour, our day took on more of a tourist flavour, being whisked off through the truly delightful countryside up into the hills for lunch. Here the Mayor of Skofja Loka, Mr Igor Draksler, briefly joined us during a splendid lunch! If you like soup, you’ll love Slovene cuisine! The ensuing guided tour of old town of Skofja Loka, with a drive around the limestone glacial Lake Bled (home to a fairy tale chapel on an island) and visit to the Castle were spectacular. Slovenia has many jewels in its crown and many industries to ply. Being a keen skier I was delighted to find that dinner was at a hotel in one of their ski resorts (sparking ideas of a future two centre visit!) Here, the hotel management presented every Europe Alive lady with a hand-made oil lamp.

Our third day included a boat trip along the Slovenian coast, with a ‘fish picnic’ on board! Freshly grilled sardines served with bread and wine! When the boat moored at the old city of Piran – just across the water from Italy, we had the option of a guided tour or some free time to soak in the atmosphere; sample the ice-cream and watch the colourful, noisy wedding processions in the oval market place.

Perhaps one of the most over whelming aspects of the trip was the response to Mrs Nada Skuk’s invitation to members of Slovenia’s EUW to meet our delegation. Over 150 ladies from all across the country had squeezed into a restaurant to welcome us, making us feel like visiting celebrities! In return, a representative from each of the participating Europe Alive Countries, including International Chairman Mrs Aud Signe Retsby briefly spoke to thank them for their support and hospitality. The evening finished with dinner at the delightful Guesthouse Ilda with optional wine-tasting in their cellars.

Whilst clearly a small country, they are a fiercely determined, meticulous and ambitious nation going places. As yet they are not tarnished with the litter, graffiti and negative trappings so prevalent in other larger EU countries.

Europe Alive is a fabulous forum for meeting like-minded new friends and widening horizons!

Sidan uppdaterad 24 sep 2006