Good evening. Here is the Friday, March 8 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Every woman deserves respect all year round, especially from the state, say rights groups
No one understands a woman like another woman. (source: Pixabay)
Today, March 8, International Women's Day is a day to reflect on systemic failures and neglect of women's rights by the state, according to a joint statement by a group of organisations including Amnesty International, Inakosť, InTYMYta, Možnosť voľby, Neon, Poradňa pre občianske a ľudské práva, and Saplinq.
The organisations focused on the recent amendment to the Penal Code, addressing its impact on the rights of survivors of sexual violence; inadequate access to reproductive and sexual rights, including a lack of sex education in schools; racism; and the challenges faced by women, non-binary, and intersex individuals. The legal amendment initially aimed to redefine rape with a focus on consent but was later revised, shortening the statute of limitations for rape and sexual abuse crimes.
The organisations also point to failures in ensuring reproductive health and rights, particularly in abortion care, which they say have made Slovakia one of the worst countries in this respect in Europe. Discrimination against Roma women persists, with instances of segregation and mistreatment in maternity wards. Teenage pregnancy rates are high, and comprehensive sexual education is lacking.
Transgender women and queer people, especially trans women, face multiple forms of discrimination, while legal protections for same-sex couples and their children are inadequate, denying them the right to family and private life, the organisations say, They are calling for substantive changes, emphasising the importance of public pressure in holding the government accountable for violations of women's rights.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Sport: An iconic athletics venue in Bratislava is saying farewell to athletics, transitioning to a new owner, who will transform it into the National Padel Centre.
Art: A valuable painting was taken from a café in Košice by the dean of the Faculty of Arts on Monday. He was captured on security footage, identified by members of the public, and later forced to return the artwork and apologise, in return for which potential charges were dropped. Now, however, he is characterising the reported theft as an artistic "happening". The painting's owners are not impressed, and the university has established an ethics committee to investigate.
Business: Bratislava's real estate market is poised for a rebound, with an anticipated surge in new flat sales and a decrease in interest rates, resembling trends in Prague.
Good news: Three pieces of positive news: discover who intends to climb the highest peaks in North America and Antarctica, learn about the aurora borealis and where it appeared in Slovakia, and hear about some charming Slovak grandmothers.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
Easter is coming!
Traditionally decorated Easter eggs in a basket. (source: Ján Krošlák, SME)
Have you ever heard of kraslice – decorated Easter eggs? They are a beautiful Slovak tradition; find out more at the Veľkonočný Handmade Market and purchase handmade decorated eggs, decorations, jewellery, toys and more Easter-related items. Details of this event and others can be found here.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Top 10 events for foreigners to explore vibrant Bratislava
Top 10 events in Bratislava! (source: Pexels)
From an Electronic Game Cube workshop for curious children on March 11 at Lab.cafe to the Legendary Rock Burlesque Night at ALFA Brewery on March 13, and the cinematic delights of FEBIOFEST Bratislava 2024 from March 13-19 at Cinemas Lumiere and Klap – find your next adventure on The Slovak Spectator website!
In other news
The number of whooping cough cases is on the rise in Europe, with a concerning increase reported in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Croatia, and Belgium. Slovakia has also seen a surge, reporting 123 cases up to the end of February, prompting health authorities to recommend vaccination as a preventive measure.
The Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) is warning that several self-governing regions in Slovakia have lost control over hospitals due to inadequate guidance and financing from the state after the management of hospitals was transferred to regional authorities. The office highlighted issues with leasing agreements and emphasised the need for a comprehensive solution to address the challenges faced by self-governing regions in providing stable regional healthcare. (TASR)
President Zuzana Čaputová emphasised the need for societal change on International Women's Day, including issues such as unaddressed violence against women. She introduced the "SME TU" (We Are Here) platform to foster community and support for victims of violence, encouraging public engagement. (TASR)
The body of a missing three-year-old boy from Ďurkov, Košice-okolie, was found dead on Friday in the Ďurkov area, the police said. The boy had been missing since Wednesday (March 6), when the police, rescuers and volunteers began to look for him. (TASR)
On Vajnorská Street in Bratislava, trams will not operate in both directions in the section Jurajov dvor - Zlaté piesky over the weekend (March 9 - March 10). The bus X4 will operate instead. (TASR)
WEATHER FOR SATURDAY
Saturday will see generally clear skies with occasional, temporary cloudiness. In the afternoon, cloud cover is expected to gradually increase in the western part of the country. Some areas may experience morning fog, and there is a chance of isolated showers. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach between 8°C and 13°C. The Met Office (SHMÚ) has issued a level 1 wind warning for the west and south of Slovakia.
MARCH 9 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Františka.
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