The association Ženy ze Severu (Women of the North) was founded more than 2 years ago when six women decided to connect and share. This community of women is active in Liberec. One of the main goals is to create positive and inspiring networking events that bring women together in the region and across specialisations. Ženy ze Severu association creates a safe environment for sharing among women. We bring you an interview with two of the co-founders, Hana Křenková (attorney) and Zuzana Pětníková(CMO at own marketing agency).
When and where exactly was the Ženy ze Severu association (your wonderful community of women) founded?
Zuzana: The initiative has been running for just over 2 years. Before that, each of us was actively involved in other organizations and one day the idea of connecting women and sharing common ideas came up. We wanted to try and connect different communities of women who are connected by the region and can help each other.
Hana: When we initially worked in our own organisations, we gradually realised that we had similar target groups and we were unnecessarily exhausting ourselves organising events separately for each of our associations/initiatives. Gradually we started to contact each other as organisers and in September 2023 it will be exactly two years since we organised the first Ženy ze Severu event.
What exactly does Ženy ze Severu do? What do you have in common besides the location ("North")?
Hana: We organize events focused on education, development, support and community building. The goal is to create a unique community of women without professional barriers, provide specialized events and workshops for women's development, promote networking, and build a network of contacts that will respond to women's individual needs. It brings us together to network, meet and share our experiences.
How many Ženy ze Severu are there now?
Zuzana: The main part of the team, i.e. the core team, is made up of 6 women - each from a different field, from marketing, law, IT, construction industry, business or HR. We meet around 60 women and girls at events.
Do you operate only in Liberec?
Zuzana: So far we have events only in Liberec, but women from all over the Liberec region and beyond come to us. By the end of the year, we plan to start events in Turnov or Jablonec nad Nisou.
For whom does Ženy ze Severu do its activities? What are the main themes of Ženy ze Severu?
Hana: Our events are aimed at a wide audience, both for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, women on parental leave, girls who are still studying or employees who are interested in personal development and want to further their education. The main topic is personal development, strategies in business, self-presentation, time management and everything around marketing.
What has been the biggest event you have done so far?
Hana: So far, the most participants were at the last event, which took place in April 2023 at Lipo.ink and the speaker was Katarína Morv