In early June, the historic building of the Reduta in Bratislava was dedicated to remarkable women – laureates of the illustrious Slovak Woman of the Year award. Their life stories, shaped by unwavering strength, love, and humanity, not only inspire and motivate but also offer hope to the whole country. Slovak Women of the Year are a source of courage and determination to never give up, no matter the circumstances – and for that, they deserve admiration and respect.
The absolute winner of Slovak Woman of the Year 2025 was Helena Kapturová, a respected expert in the field of healthcare who dedicated her entire professional life to caring for others. Her humility, selflessness, and deeply human approach were highlighted by Tomislav Jurik, chairman of the board of Zdravý život, who presented the award – his words received a warm round of applause from the audience.
The President was among the guests
President Peter Pellegrini also addressed the audience, emphasizing the essential role women play in society. He greeted the honored guests with the words: “Today, these beautiful halls are graced by exceptional women. Women defined by resilience, professionalism, a desire to grow, and deep commitment. Regardless of whether today’s laureates include a teacher, scientist, movie star, or accomplished manager, I believe that each nominee and award winner is living proof that striving to be a good person and helping others is still worth it in Slovakia. I sincerely thank them for that. But I also deeply wish for this special evening not to belong only to the women present here, but to all Slovak women – to everyday heroines, to those who spend nights caring for the sick and dying, to those who rise early so the rest of us can buy fresh bread, to those caring for children without families, raising future generations, or helping our elderly live with dignity. For it to belong to women who work hard in factories and offices across Slovakia. To all these incredible women working every day to make our country a beautiful, peaceful, loving place to live.”
You are all winners
The uniqueness of each laureate was also praised by Mária Reháková, the main organizer and creator of the Slovak Woman of the Year poll. She also introduced two important novelties in the 17th edition: “The importance of the reader’s poll Slovak Woman of the Year has deepened this year with a new charitable dimension. We have decided to support the League Against Cancer – an organization helping those who need it most.” A check for 2,000 EUR was handed over to Eva Kováčová, president of the League Against Cancer, by Slovenka magazine’s editor-in-chief Katarína Hanzelová.
Lifetime achievement award
Before the winners of each category were revealed, the stage welcomed women nominated by the expert jury for the Exceptional Slovak Woman of the Year award. The iconic statuette was awarded to Valéria Čiamporová, an extraordinary educator from Detva, and Tatiana Nátna, entrepreneur and head of the Top Women Entrepreneurs Center, who succeeded in a male-dominated world while bringing female empathy and solidarity to it. For the first time in the history of the Slovak Woman of the Year awards, a special lifetime achievement award was presented – to a truly extraordinary lady of Slovak art, actress Ida Rapaičová. “Mrs. Rapaičová is known across Slovakia as a film and theater actress, but to me, her name is intimately connected with poetry, recital, and beautiful verses,” said Mária Reháková, expressing her admiration. “She is truly exceptional and rare. Her recitation carries within it a millennia-old cultural heritage – a living continuity between Old Church Slavonic and modern Slovak.” Visibly moved, Ida Rapaičová accepted the symbolic statuette – a piece whose value lies far beyond art alone. She dedicated her thanks to the most important person in her life – her mother.
Stars of culture
The evening, during which the winners of the Slovak Woman of the Year poll categories were revealed, was transformed into an artistic spectacle thanks to stars of Slovak culture. Musical highlights ranged from the emotional performance of the band Fragile, the energetic Nela Pocisková with Dnes je to o mne, to the stunning finale by the amazing Lúčnica. Martina Schindlerová captivated the audience with Skyfall, Sisa Sklovská moved hearts with Ako víno, and Marián Vojtko stirred emotions with The Love Theme from The Godfather. The evening’s elegance was further underscored by a performance of Swan Lake, accompanied by Cho Cellos.
Winners
Media & Communication: Hana Rapantová
Arts & Culture: Ida Rapaičová
Business & Management: Miriam Poništová
Sports: Gabriela Gajanová
Support of Young Talent: Adriana Tarajová
Charity: Sister Adriana Mihová
Education: Katarína Žilková
Healthcare: Helena Kapturová
Science & Research: Katarína Nádaská
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