Slovakia has been introduced to another three dozen remarkable stories of exceptional women who have reached the pinnacle of their professional achievements - and without this readers’ poll, many of their names might have remained unknown. The 18th edition of the prestigious SLOVAK WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2026 has officially begun.
Mária Reháková, founder and chief organizer of the project, welcomed laureates, members of the expert jury, event partners, and media representatives at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel with the words: “Slovak Woman of the Year has come of age. This year marks eighteen years since its founding. That in itself is a success. When we organized the first edition, we heard skeptical voices claiming the project could never become a tradition, that there would not be enough inspiring women with strong, motivational stories each year. Fortunately, those words did not come true. Slovakia’s greatest wealth truly lies in its people - especially women, who are not only guardians of the family hearth, but also outstanding scientists, artists, and athletes capable of succeeding in every sphere of life. They deserve our deep gratitude. Without their perseverance, talent, and tireless work, this event would not exist, and life in Slovakia would be poorer without many of these achievements.”
Selection in nine categories
This year once again, the poll underscores women’s ability to combine professional success with personal life and the broader societal impact of their work. The award itself is preceded by nominations in nine categories, reflecting the wide spectrum of fields in which Slovak women achieve remarkable results and gain recognition beyond national borders. These include business and management, art and culture, media and communication, science and research, education, support of young talent, healthcare, sport, and charity. The poll thus continues to hold its place among events that sensitively and respectfully highlight women’s contributions to Slovakia.
Slovak Woman of the Year moves forward
Mária Reháková further emphasized that the readers’ poll is not stagnating – on the contrary, it is evolving and gaining new dimensions each year. “Slovak Woman of the Year crossed Slovakia’s borders years ago and was even mentioned in the European Parliament. This year, its international dimension has expanded further. Readers in the Czech Republic will be informed in detail about the winners and the course of the event through the prestigious magazine The Business Soirée, with which our publishing house has established cooperation. The publisher’s owner, Peter Závodský - a Slovak based in Prague – welcomed this collaboration with enthusiasm. It also has another effect: articles will be published in Slovak, helping to deepen knowledge of our language among our neighbors, which I firmly believe will bring us even closer together and strengthen our mutual ties.”
All nominees are already winners
Before the final gala evening takes place, the nominees will participate in a rich accompanying program. It begins with a press conference introducing them, followed by two days of filming video profiles and portrait photography. An exhibition of their portraits will open at Bratislava Castle at the end of May, and on June 26, 2026, they will attend the ceremonial finale broadcast live on STVR. It is already clear, however, that every nominee is, in her own way, already a winner.
Jury composed of distinguished figures
The nominations were decided by a selection committee chaired by Ing. Vladimír Bakeš, who said: “I believe in the power of inspiring women. I know that the path to success is often not easy for women; many work even harder and with greater dedication to combine career and family life. That is precisely why their determination and achievements deserve our strong support and recognition.” Other members of the committee include Martina Flašíková, Marián Turner, RNDr. Tomislav Jurik, CSc., Ing. Tatiana Nátna, Ing. Eva Kováčová, Dr.h.c. Prof. Rudolf Sivák, Vladislav Kupka, doc. JUDr. Eduard Burda, PhD., doc. MUDr. Eliška Kubíková, PhD., MPH, Ing. Vladimír Grežo, Ing. Mikuláš Milko, Dr.h.c., Ing. Elena Kohútiková, Zuzana Ťapáková, and Katarína Hanzelová.
Voting from the Czech Republic is available online at www.slovenkaroka.sk until June 25, 2026.
BOX
NOMINATIONS
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Ing. Miriam Fellingerová
Ing. Miriam Lapuníková, MBA
Mgr. Monika Poussard
ART AND CULTURE
Hana Gregorová
Mgr. art. Terézia Kružliaková, ArtD.
Mgr. Andrea Moravčíková
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
Lenka Buchláková
Jana Hospodárová
Janette Štefánková
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Ing. arch. Jana Gregorová
Dr.rer.nat., Ing. Helena Kanďárová, ERT
Doc. RNDr. Andrea Straková Fedorková, PhD.
SUPPORT OF YOUNG TALENT
Ing. Iveta Bariaková
PaedDr. Alica Hancková, PhD.
Ing. Helena Petrusová
EDUCATION
Ing. Ľuba Englerová
Mgr. Tatiana Kizivatová
Prof. Ing. Erika Pastoráková, PhD.
SPORT
Viktória Chladoňová
Katarína Krekáňová
Zuzana Paňková
CHARITY
Miroslava Hunčíková
Mgr. Gabriela Matkulčíková
Jana Micháliková
HEALTHCARE
MUDr. Eva Mikušková, PhD., MBA
MUDr. Mgr. Katarína Molnárová, MHA
MDDr. Lucia Richterová, MPH, MBA
MUDr. Mária Vasilová
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