In May and June, the first two events in the series Following Her Footsteps took place at Villa Zlatica and in its garden. The series explores the legacy of one of Slovenia’s most important writers, public intellectuals, and advocates for women’s rights, shedding light on her relevance in contemporary society through different perspectives.
The discussions in the Po njeni poti series are moderated by Dr. Katja Mihurko, a literary and cultural historian, editor of the collected works of Zofka Kveder, and head of the programme committee of the Year of the Writer Zofka Kveder.
The guest of the first evening was Dr. Eva D. Bahovec, a philosopher and one of the key figures of Slovenian feminist thought. Together with Katja Mihurko, she addressed questions of feminist theory, women’s studies, and editorial work as important tools for understanding the position of women in society. Eva Bahovec highlighted the historical continuity of feminist engagement and cautioned against the assumption of constant social progress, noting that there is no inherent guarantee that society is continuously improving.
Dr. Katja Mihurko also drew a parallel between the journal Ženski svet, initiated by Zofka Kveder, and the feminist journal Delta, edited by Dr. Eva Bahovec.
On the second evening, Katja Mihurko spoke with Jasmina Jerant, a researcher, author of the book Primer: Anhovo, and environmental and feminist activist. The discussion addressed themes of social activism, individual responsibility in confronting injustices, and the importance of public engagement in raising awareness of overlooked issues. Jerant emphasized that feminism and environmental activism are closely interconnected and that “one does not exist without the other,” describing her commitment with the vivid remark that she is “banging her head against a wall,” as she believes persistent pressure is necessary if change is to be achieved.
Once again, numerous parallels with the work and legacy of Zofka Kveder emerged throughout the conversation.
The series continues on 2 July at 7 p.m. in the garden of Villa Zlatica, where the guest will be writer and performer Simona Semenič.