Generations of women have endured inequality in the business world. Unlike men, women were initially not allowed to work. Then, they were only entrusted with household tasks at their workplaces, such as cleaning. In the mid-20th century, women began to receive jobs similar to those of men, but this marked the beginning of decades of their struggle to stop being objectified.
Since that time until today, businesswomen have managed to achieve better conditions and a fairer status. However, one inequality has still not been corrected. The majority of companies and institutions where they work are located at addresses named after men. Disheartening statistics show that only 2 percent of streets in Croatia are named after women. To increase the representation of women in street names, the initiative ‘Wake Up for Equality’ has been launched.
Croatian Great Women Square
The starting point of the initiative is the Croatian Great Men Square – one of the busiest squares in Zagreb, where the name only implicitly includes women. While business problems can be solved by changing jobs, inequality can only be corrected by changing society. Therefore, the goal of the initiative ‘Wake Up for Equality’ is to equally divide the existing Croatian Great Men Square and assign the name Croatian Great Women Square to the other half, including those who will become great women. This will pay tribute to deserving women who have indebted us with their achievements throughout history. At the same time, this initiative will support all girls and women on their path to becoming professionals – doctors, scientists, politicians, artists – and then great women.
