The 18th edition of the prestigious Slovenka roka (Slovak Woman of the Year) awards was marked by elegance, deep emotion and a spectacular programme watched by thousands of viewers across the country. Once again, the Reduta, home of the Slovak Philharmonic became a centre of elegance, achievement and inspiration in the broadest sense of the word.
Not only are the stories of the laureates inspiring, but so too is the very idea behind the event, introduced eighteen years ago by Mária Reháková, Director of STAR production, the publishing house behind the awards. “Slovenka roka is the only award of its kind in Europe honouring women who pursue their dreams. At the beginning of every successful woman’s journey is a dream and a desire to do something that makes the world around her a better place,” she said. Among the distinguished guests at the gala evening was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová of the Czech Republic, who did not hide her admiration: “I am absolutely delighted, and throughout the evening I kept asking myself why we do not have something similar back home. Women who have succeeded, often in fields traditionally regarded as male-dominated fields, truly deserve our respect.” Her Slovak counterpart, Minister of Finance Ladislav Kamenický, also spoke highly of the awards: “This is an exceptionally important award – I would even say one of the most important in our country. Women who are able to balance their private lives with demanding professional careers while achieving such remarkable results deserve our respect and admiration.” The gala also demonstrated that the event is taking on an international dimension. “We have established a partnership with the prestigious Czech magazine The Business Soirée,” explained Mária Reháková. “Thanks to this cooperation, outstanding women from Slovak culture, science, technology, education and many other fields will also gain visibility among our neighbours.” Peter Závodský, co-owner and publisher of the magazine, added: “Just as distinguished Slovak personalities will now be introduced to readers in the Czech Republic, we will also be delighted to introduce inspiring personalities from Bohemia and Moravia on the pages of Slovenka, whose stories can motivate and inspire others.” The evening was hosted by Ľubomír Bajaník and Kristína Kucianová. The audience was transported to the atmosphere of 1930s Chicago thanks to the dancers of RIVERPARK DANCE SCHOOL. The musical programme featured the virtuoso ensemble Janoska Bros, the charismatic Ondřej Gregor Brzobohatý, opera diva Terézia Kružliaková, energetic folklore performed by the Podpoľanec folk ensemble, as well as an emotional performance of the legendary song Cigaretka na dva ťahy by Lukáš Pišta and a performance by the talented young singer Lima Prágerová.
From left: Peter Závodský, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the Czech Republic Martin Muránsky, Alena Schillerová, Mária Reháková, Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic Ladislav Kamenický, and Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Slovakia Rudolf Jindrák.
Winners
Overall Winner:
Andrea Straková Fedorková
Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Dr. h. c. Ing. Dorota Pospíšilová, PhD.,
MUDr. Alena Korenčíková,
Mária Ďurovičová (In memoriam)
Category winners:
Arts and Culture: Hana Gregorová
Business and Management: Miriam Lapuníková
Media and Communication: Janette Štefánková
Sport: Viktória Chladoňová
Education: Ľuba Englerová
Healthcare: Mária Vasilová
Support for Young Talent: Helena Petrusová
Charity: Gabriela Matkulčíková
Science and Research: Andrea Straková Fedorková
From left: Juraj Gajdoš and Natália Selveková from Envy Clinic, Mária Reháková, Dominika Cibulková, Martina Flašíková and Vladimír Bakeš.
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