Ivana Cucujkic-Panic
Biography
Ivana Cucujkic-Panic has worked in the German-language media industry for 20 years, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. As a founding member of biber magazine, the largest German-language diversity magazine, she advocates for diverse voices, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. Since her role as Communications Director for the largest women’s running event in Europe, she has been an advocate for women’s empowerment and visibility, especially in sports. She is also an ambassador for integration and Europe for the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and host of the podcast „Mutti ist kaputti“, which deals with the reality of motherhood.
Discrimination can occur on many levels. As a woman, you are particularly vulnerable in the world of work. If you also wear a headscarf, have a different skin color and are a mother, this can unfortunately still be a disadvantage in the application process. The goal for tomorrow’s world of work must be for companies, politicians and society to see diversity as an enrichment. But the conditions must be created for this to happen. Companies must be able to accept and tolerate that parents have different needs as employees than their colleagues. This also requires forces and voices that are committed to the legal framework. The Women in Law Initiative is a wonderful platform for this.
photo © Julie Brass