FOOTBALL FOR EVERYONE
Women Driving Football: HNS Marks International Women’s Day
08.03.2026.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Croatian Football Federation extends sincere congratulations to all women and thanks them for their strength, dedication and contribution to society, sport and the community.
Special appreciation is also expressed to the women who, through their daily work, contribute to the development of Croatian football – on the pitch, alongside it and behind the scenes.
As part of the campaign “Women (don’t) belong in football. Believe in yourself, not what others say,” T-shirts with this message were also distributed to women working within the Croatian Football Federation.
Their work, knowledge and dedication are an important part of the football community and the development of football in Croatia. Slightly more than half of the federation’s employees are women, and women hold five leadership positions within the organization: Iva Olivari, Deputy General Secretary; Ružica Bajrić, Head of Finance and Accounting; Ivančica Sudac, Head of the Licensing Department; Andrea Dokuš, Head of the Infrastructure Department; and Leonarda Zorica, Head of the International Affairs Department.
“What would I say to my younger self?”
Croatia’s women’s national team players also sent a message of support for International Women’s Day. In a short video, they congratulated women on the occasion and offered words of encouragement to girls and women who are involved in sport or who dream of taking their first steps in football.
A message of support for International Women’s Day was also sent by the Croatian women’s national team players, who congratulated women on the occasion in a short video and offered words of encouragement to all girls and women who play sports or are only beginning to dream about their first steps in football.
As part of the campaign, videos were also recorded in which the national team players answer the question:
“What would I say to my younger self who is only beginning to dream of playing football?”
Their messages of encouragement, perseverance and self-belief were published on the Federation’s digital channels ahead of the match in order to inspire a new generation of girls who are just entering the world of football.
International Women’s Day is another opportunity to emphasize that football is a place for everyone – for girls who dream of their first touch of the ball, for players who pursue their goals, and for women whose work helps build Croatian football every day.
Happy International Women’s Day!
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