Stereotypes that women should take care of the house and leave public life over to men have been broken by a number of female Slovenians. Women have broken new ground in art, activist movements, education, health, and in many other fields. How do women see things today?

Lidija Jerkič, a trade union member: I am proud of women. Because we're progressing much faster than our dear representatives of the male gender. Our gene for persistence strengthens us. On the other hand I can't find anything I'm not proud of as a woman. Of course there are things which we will improve and upgrade, things that are meant to be developed. If I look through the eyes of our female trade union president: breakthroughs are being made by female trade unionists. However it is also true that men are ready to stand by their side.
A message to women and men: We both exist in this world, both women and men. There are many reasons for that. However all too often men are valued by social reputation, and women by the length of their skirts. Life will run smoother when we free ourselves from the weight of gender issues.
Melanija Fabčič, a singer: I am proud not to have to deal with certain clichés in my private life, regarding to what I'm supposed to do (from a biological point of view) as a representative of the female gender; people close to me perceive me first and foremost as a person and human, and only then as a female, which I think is the only right way about it. As to society in general and professional life (both in academics and music) we have a less optimal situation. Not as much in terms of recognizing ones competence or knowledge and quality of work, but more (or mostly) because of how much a person is financially valued. Discrimination still exists, but in a more subtle form, which makes it even more dangerous. I'm talking about getting paid the same for the same work, and equal opportunities and conditions for assuming high positions, regardless of gender.
A message to women and men: Not to forget that the first step to knowing and understanding one another (regardless of gender) is to know yourself. Human quality is measured by the level of knowing oneself (and with that I'm not implying to anything esoteric). So: avoid spreading and confirming clichés (like the one about Venus and Mars) – we're all from the same planet and at the same time each one of us is a planet on his/her own. We are not divided into "female" in "male" planets!
Klementina Gartner, a mother of twelve children: I am proud to have been given the opportunity to be the mother of so many wonderful children, and to be the wife of a man who gives the family strength and support. I am proud to have my children with me until school, and to be with them for all their important milestones. Our society has different views on mothers of more children. Some admire you while others make comments that hurt your feelings. Women today have important roles in many areas and so they tend to forget their primal mission in life, to be a mother and wife, and a person who makes the home a cozy and warm place where the whole family happily returns. Certainly it is also right, that we are equal to men.
A message to women and men: Wives, love your husbands, and husbands, love your wives! With that you set the best example to your children and surrounding!
Vladimira Bučevec, a firefighter: I am proud, that one third of the members in our firefighter's organization are female. Women are increasingly present on the field, they educate themselves, they become international judges and assume leading positions in certain organizations. However it makes me sad that there are still male colleagues, who think that being a firefighter is man's job, and that women are only welcome to serve in kitchens and during festivities. Luckily there are always less and less people like that.
A message to women and men: Mutual respect is the key to creating a positive climate in society. Gender synergy is the key to success on all fields.
Tanja Novak, a police pilot: I am proud to fly in order to help. To fly to help others and for my personal enjoyment. However I am not proud of our society. Afraid of doing something wrong, everyone rather does nothing.
A message to women and men: I would have never accomplished what I had if I wasn't persistent. That's why we all have to do something, or at least try to do something, even if we fail the first time.