Four inspiring Slovenian female innovators and social entrepreneurs, deeply rooted in rural Slovenia, shared their journeys and insights on the challenges and advantages of being women in agriculture and rural areas during a lively roundtable discussion held on March 18th, 2025. The event, organised by the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Arts as part of their annual Gender Equality Days, brought together academics, civil society representatives, and the wider public to explore visions for sustainable farm and rural futures through the lens of gender.
The roundtable featured FLIARA Innovation Ambassadors for Slovenia, Petra Matos (Park Istra, focusing on volunteering and responding to local/regional needs) and Saša Kržič (Mikrozelenje Šebenik), alongside social entrepreneurs Lenka Puh (Zadruga Allium, a cooperative focused on social entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture) and Marinka Vovk (Centri ponovne uporabe, founder of reuse centres and a social enterprise). These four innovators, each making significant contributions to rural Slovenia in diverse ways, brought their unique perspectives to the discussion.
Dr Milica Antić Gaber, who moderated the discussion and was inspired by the results of the FLIARA project, guided the conversation, delving into the specific hurdles and opportunities faced by women leading innovation in these sectors. The event, co-organised by Dr Barbara Lampič and the Slovenian FLIARA team, underscored the Faculty of Arts’ commitment to addressing important and current issues related to gender equality through both theoretical and empirical research.
The well-attended roundtable saw significant engagement from students, demonstrating a keen interest in the intersection of gender, innovation, and rural development. Participants explored themes such as gender stereotyping, innovative practices adopted by women, work-life balance in rural settings, and the broader implications for the sustainability of rural communities.
Lenka Puh, who began her entrepreneurial journey at 25, shared the evolution of the Allium Cooperative and Institute. Founded in 2012, Allium operates as a farm, employment centre, and social enterprise across different rural regions of Slovenia. A key innovation is its focus on employing individuals with disabilities, providing them with meaningful work and support. Puh has also spearheaded the innovative “Mini Factory” concept in collaboration with Lidl, addressing food surplus by processing it into new products. The cooperative actively connects various partners, farms, institutes, and the academic community to promote sustainable agriculture and has created 12 new green jobs while hosting numerous volunteers. Allium also provides educational programmes and produces organically certified food, contributing significantly to both sustainable development and social innovation.
Marinka Vovk, a socially responsible entrepreneur, recounted her journey in establishing the first reuse centre and social enterprise in Slovenia. Starting in the rural municipality of Rogaška Slatina in 2009, Vovk’s initiative has expanded to a network of reuse centres, now operating four locations, primarily in rural municipalities. These centres specialise in various forms of reuse and repair, employing 32 people, predominantly women, many of whom were long-term unemployed or faced disadvantages in the labour market. Vovk is also involved in developing waste management legislation and innovative projects promoting environmental and social sustainability, including a recent project on silkworm breeding for medical purposes to integrate disadvantaged individuals into higher-value work. Her work has been instrumental in changing attitudes towards waste and providing opportunities for marginalised individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Saša Kržič, FLIARA Innovation Ambassador for Slovenia, shared her pioneering journey in establishing Mikrozelenje Šebenik and Bloomy, two successful brands focused on microgreens and edible dried flowers. Starting in 2014, Kržič navigated initial challenges to build a thriving business that employs local residents and has gained national recognition. Her work extends to advising others and promoting microgreen cultivation internationally, while also fostering engagement with younger generations on food production.
Petra Matos, the other FLIARA Innovation Ambassador for Slovenia, highlighted her work with Park Istra, focusing on volunteering and effectively responding to local and regional needs within the rural context. Her contributions underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives in fostering rural sustainability and resilience.
The roundtable served as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and highlighting the critical role women play in driving innovation and shaping sustainable futures for agriculture and rural areas. The diverse experiences and impactful work of Petra Matos, Saša Kržič, Lenka Puh, and Marinka Vovk are expected to further inspire research and action within both the academic community and broader society in Slovenia and beyond. The University of Ljubljana’s Gender Equality Days continue to be an important forum for addressing pressing gender issues and promoting a more equitable and sustainable future.