Today, more than half of all university degrees in Slovenia are earned by women, and the gender pay gap is lower than the European Union average. These are certainly encouraging developments, but the final battle for full equality has yet to be won.
This is the message from Tanja Fajon, the first woman to lead Slovenia’s diplomacy, who does not view gender equality as a separate topic but as a foundation of both the country’s domestic and foreign policy.
According to data from the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), Slovenia ranks close to the European Union average, with above-average results in education and healthcare.
Women make up the majority of university graduates, are well represented in parliament, and are increasingly visible in decision-making positions. At the same time, the gender pay gap remains below the European average, a figure that Ljubljana, as Fajon emphasizes, can take pride in.
However, statistics also have a less encouraging side.
Women in Slovenia still disproportionately carry the burden of unpaid household work, and the highest management positions in the business sector remain predominantly male. Gender-based violence, including violence in digital spaces, is highlighted by Fajon as one of the most serious challenges of our time.
“Empowering women and girls and advancing equal opportunities are among the key priorities of our foreign policy, as well as my personal goals. I have consistently advocated these principles within the international community and within our own ministry. I am proud that during the past term we have taken several concrete steps forward. We have strengthened the representation of women in leadership positions and clearly committed ourselves to a feminist foreign policy that addresses the concerns of both women and men. The number of Slovenian women ambassadors around the world has steadily increased, including in posts that are culturally or security-wise particularly demanding. The same applies to women in leadership roles within our ministry here in Ljubljana,” Fajon told us.
The First Woman Leading Slovenian Diplomacy
Our interlocutor points out that throughout her life she has witnessed many “firsts” for women in Slovenia, including the election of the country’s first female prime minister and first female president.
“Almost four years ago, I had the honor of becoming the first woman to lead Slovenian diplomacy. It was one of the brightest moments of my career. It is also time for a woman leader to become the first female Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
When asked what has contributed most to this progress, she stresses that it is the result of a combination of strong legislation, an active civil society, and consistent alignment with European standards. Slovenia has a solid legal framework that prohibits discrimination and promotes equal opportunities. National action plans for gender equality, targeted employment policies, and support for balancing work and family life have all contributed to tangible improvements.
“At the European level, participation in EU-funded programs has been particularly important. Cooperation within the EU has strengthened data collection, policy comparisons, and the exchange of best practices. Structural and social funds have supported projects aimed at women’s entrepreneurship, labor-market inclusion, and combating gender-based violence,” says Minister Fajon.
In foreign policy, Slovenia also integrates gender equality principles into development cooperation and humanitarian activities.
“I firmly believe that gender equality must be present across all policies, rather than treated as a separate issue.”
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia has also highlighted the importance of the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution processes, and efforts toward sustainable peace.
“We have worked to find ways for the UN Security Council to respond more effectively and ensure accountability for sexual and gender-based violence in conflicts. A gender perspective and the rights of women and girls are also priorities during Slovenia’s current membership in the Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 period.”
Challenges Slovenia Still Faces
Even in a country that ranks among the more developed in this part of Europe, gender equality is not without challenges.
“First, the unequal distribution of unpaid household work still limits women’s economic opportunities. Second, although women are present in politics, they remain underrepresented in top corporate leadership positions. Third, gender-based violence, including online violence, continues to be a serious problem in Europe and around the world.”
According to her, the media play a key role in addressing these issues.
“I believe it is important to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, to give space to diverse women’s voices, and to highlight not only challenges but also successful role models. Balanced and responsible reporting can significantly shape public perception and accelerate social change. Recognizing and responding effectively to new and rapidly growing forms of violence in digital spaces, including harassment, insults, intimidation, hate speech, and violations of privacy is crucial to preventing escalation that can lead to physical violence, including femicide. Empowering women and girls to participate freely and safely in digital spaces is not only a matter of justice it is essential for achieving equality, democracy, and sustainable development for all,” Fajon says.
She adds that closing the gender gap is a shared responsibility of politicians and diplomats, leaders, opinion makers, the media, men, and women alike.
“To achieve meaningful progress, we need both policy changes and a shift in mindset. We must serve as advocates, mentors, and role models for the younger generations who will follow us. In our ministry, we will continue to do our part through our commitment to empowering women and girls and ensuring their meaningful participation.”
EU Membership Was Crucial for Slovenia
Since the European Union has numerous rules and procedures that promote gender equality across all 27 member states, the question arises to what extent membership has contributed to the successful implementation of gender equality policies.
“EU membership has been crucial. The European Union provides a strong legal framework, clear standards, and measurable indicators. Thanks to institutions such as the European Commission and EIGE, member states benefit from comparative data, monitoring mechanisms, and coordinated strategies. EU directives have strengthened legislation against discrimination, rules on pay transparency, and policies supporting work–life balance. Access to EU funding has enabled concrete projects that directly improve women’s economic participation and protection from violence. In short, EU membership reinforces national efforts by ensuring accountability, financial support, and a shared political commitment to equality.”
