International Women’s Day, celebrated in many countries around the world, is a day of respect, gratitude, and responsibility. It is a day when we look back with deep awareness of women’s historical efforts for equality, and at the same time look forward with determination.

The holiday has its roots in the early 20th century, when women workers in industrial cities across Europe and the United States courageously fought for decent working conditions, the right to vote, and fundamental civil liberties. In 1910, at the initiative of German politician and activist Clara Zetkin, the international socialist movement proposed the introduction of Women’s Day, and it was first observed in several countries the following year. Today, International Women’s Day, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), represents a global call for equality, development, and peace.

At the end of 2025, we marked the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, a historic document that, in December 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, set clear goals for eliminating inequalities in education, health, political participation, economic empowerment, and the eradication of violence against women. The Beijing Declaration represents a groundbreaking commitment by countries that women’s rights are an indivisible part of human rights. Thirty years later, its spirit remains alive, both as a reminder and as an obligation.

This year’s official theme of International Women’s Day highlights the need for decisive action to remove all barriers to equality: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, as well as harmful practices and social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls. This call goes beyond declarative support, demanding concrete actions, systemic changes, and everyday responsibility from all of us.

The university is a space of knowledge, freedom of thought, and social criticism. It is a place where future leaders, researchers, and experts are shaped. Our duty is to create an environment in which opportunities are equal, voices are heard, and achievements are valued regardless of gender. We are committed to zero tolerance for discrimination, to strengthening legal and institutional protection, and to eliminating stereotypes that limit the potential of women. Let us recall the words of American First Lady and human rights activist Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” These dreams must be accessible to all, without exception.

On this day, I would also like to highlight the words of Pakistani Nobel laureate and advocate for girls’ right to education, Malala Yousafzai: “There are many problems, but I think there is a solution to all these problems; it’s just one, and it’s education.”

This thought carries a profound message for the university. Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge; it is a tool for reducing inequality, breaking down prejudices, and strengthening the confidence of women. The University of Maribor has a particular responsibility in this regard: to open the doors of knowledge to everyone, to encourage critical reflection on social norms, and to contribute actively – through research and teaching – to the elimination of discriminatory practices. Every lecture hall, every laboratory, and every research project can be a space of empowerment.

Let 8 March 2026 be an opportunity for the University of Maribor to take concrete steps. In research and teaching, let us consistently raise questions of inequality and seek solutions. Let us ensure women have equal opportunities for advancement and for taking on leadership roles. Through clear rules, effective protection, and zero tolerance for discrimination, let us decisively eliminate harmful practices and social norms that limit the rights of women and girls.

Equality is not self-evident. It is a value we must nurture, defend, and develop. Let today strengthen our conviction that justice is the foundation of academic excellence and that without equal opportunities, a university cannot be truly free.

On International Women’s Day, I sincerely congratulate all women and invite the entire university community to build together a space of respect, dignity, and equal opportunities for all.

Rector of the University of Maribor

prof. dr. Zdravko Kačič

We express our sincere gratitude to the two colleagues who accepted the invitation to participate and made it possible to prepare and publish the inspiring video messages.

Prof. dr. Dragica Haramija, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Full Professor of Slovene Literature, recipient of the University of Maribor Award for outstanding achievements, accomplishments, and merits in scientific research and education.

Saša Jeromel, student of the Faculty of Medicine, recipient of the Perlach Award for research work in the field of biotechnical, health, and medical sciences.