International Women’s Day 2026 – Ladies Luncheon

The theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain”.

The Give to Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration and emphasizes the power of support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. When women thrive, we all rise.  The Give to Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration and emphasizes the power of support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. When women thrive, we all rise.

To show our support and to have some time together, we would like to invite all women and girls involved with the Croatian Cultural Society to join us for a Women’s Day Luncheon.

What are the details?

• Sunday 8th March 12.30pm at the Clubrooms, 32 Hania Street, Wellington.
• If you would like to, please wear something purple to show your support for International Women’s Day.
• A light savoury luncheon will be provided.  If you are able, please bring a small, sweet plate to share.
• There is no charge to attend this event, and all are welcome.  Please RSVP by Saturday, 28 February to let us know who is coming and for catering purposes (and please advise any dietary requirements, thanks).  RSVP by email to: secretary@croatianculturalsocietywgtn.co.nz
• To support the women of Wellington and to “Give to Gain”, we will be collecting cash donations on the day to pass on to Wellington Women’s Refuge.

What happens on the day?

• The Club will be ready and open from 12.15pm.  There will be name tags at the door for you to wear to make it easier to get to know each other.
• Once everyone has arrived and caught up with each other, we will take our seats and our Club Treasurer, Jude Urlich, will welcome us and outline the event.  We are very fortunate to have two distinguished speakers this year:
  • Nina Nola, former University of Auckland English literature lecturer, and author of the book “The Way to Spell Love” a memoir of her Dalmatian family in Auckland, will talk to us about her book, as well as showing a short film with inspiring stories about migrant women  Nina will also have copies of her book for sale on the day.
  • Kate Kolich, a long-time Club member and currently Head of Data and Artificial Intelligence at Contact Energy, will give a short presentation about her experiences attending the recent Croatian Woman Leaders Conference in Australia as well as a dinner in Auckland recently.  She will also share about an upcoming dinner that is planned in Wellington with Angela Batistich, who is the New Zealand board member for the Croatian Women Leaders Forum.

After a fabulous day full of interesting conversations, information and delicious bites, we aim to be finished by 4pm.  As always, help with cleaning up is always appreciated 😊