Mršić: Podravka has almost an equal number of women and men in managerial positions

During the Lifelong Learning Week, which took place across Croatia from September 28 to October 4, Podravka participated by organizing a round table on the topic “Women in the Knowledge Society,” as one of the few companies that raises the Croatian average in the representation of women in managerial positions.

On this occasion, the CEO of Podravka, Zvonimir Mršić, particularly emphasized that business decisions are of higher quality when both men and women participate equally in decision-making and added:

– Our company has almost an equal share of representation of women and men in managerial positions, and I believe that by our example we contribute to changing the stereotypes about the dominance of men in key functions within the organization. I urge women to be louder, to advocate more for themselves, to articulate their views and interests more because you have proven that you know and can do a lot. In life, you have to fight for everything, so be brave in what you believe and know you can achieve.

At the round table, current topics regarding the representation of women in managerial positions in Croatia and the world, barriers and challenges in women’s advancement, the values that women bring to business spheres, and good practices for balancing work and private life were discussed. Olivija Jakupec, a member of the Management Board of Podravka, emphasized the importance of courage and proactivity in women’s business life.

– Dare to take the step, she called on the participants, explaining that they should never give up on their values that they can live through their work.

Gordana Tkalec, acting head of the Journalism Department at the University of North, pointed out everyday examples of still-present gender stereotypes. She emphasized that the transformation of women’s roles in society is closely related to transgenerational heritage and reflected on the role of multigenerational families where support can be provided to women since men are also employed, highlighting the significant role of grandparents in daily family responsibilities.

The UNESCO initiative Lifelong Learning Week was launched in 1999 to raise public awareness of lifelong learning. This year, the campaign emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning in professional development.

Accordingly, Jasenka Maltarić Dujnić, Director of Human Resources Management at Podravka, demonstrated the importance of the organization in supporting various forms of formal, informal, and non-formal learning using Podravka as an example. She particularly highlighted informal learning that occurs when we are presented with slightly higher goals than those we are accustomed to achieving.

Ksenija Krušelj, head of education at POU Koprivnica and representative of the Business Women’s Club „Alfa“, explained how technology and progress “push” us towards permanent learning. She particularly emphasized the importance of women daring to move forward in search of knowledge that ensures they remain active in the labor market.

Jasmina Ranilović, Director of Research and Development at Podravka, highlighted how continuous learning brings about the internal changes that lead to personal development. By changing behavior on a personal level, we influence the motivation of colleagues, which creates a solid foundation for adjustments in the business system for sustainable growth and development of the organization in which we operate.