We chatted to Ana Marija Sobočan, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Ljubljana, and a member of the organisational committee of the conference.
Q1: In your biography, we read that you are highly involved in international circles, regularly working shoulder to shoulder with experts from numerous esteemed European universities. Did this contribute to the fact that Ljubljana was selected as the host destination of this year’s conference?
It was actually my colleagues at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Mojca Urek and Anže Jurček, who have ‘brought’ the conference to our Faculty and invited me along. But, yes, it is probably because we have, in the past years, built strong professional relationships through research collaborations, teaching exchanges, and joint initiatives in the field of social work, particularly on issues related to sexuality, gender, and human rights. These connections naturally led to conversations about organising the next edition of the conference, and Ljubljana was recognised as a vibrant and committed academic environment. Hosting the conference here is also a recognition of the work being done at our Faculty and in Slovenia more broadly, especially on topics that intersect social justice, care, and critical practice.
We are especially proud to host this conference at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Ljubljana, as we celebrate 70 years of social work education in Slovenia.
For seven decades, this faculty has stood at the intersection of knowledge, justice, and care, pushing boundaries, challenging institutions, and educating generations of practitioners committed to social change. This legacy is not just historical—it is alive in our classrooms, our movements, and this conference. And Slovenia’s own history of reproductive justice activism, feminist organising, queer resistance, and transnational solidarity offers both grounding and inspiration.
Q2: What are the main topics you discussed at this year’s conference?
The central theme this year is reproductive justice and sexuality in social work, explored through the lens of resistance and resilience. We will address a wide range of topics: from access to reproductive healthcare, LGBTQIA+ rights, sexual citizenship, and surrogacy, to the ethics of social work interventions. We will also be talking about the structural inequalities that shape people’s sexual and reproductive lives, and how social work can respond to and challenge these injustices. An important focus will be on intersectionality—understanding how gender, race, class, disability, and migration status intersect to shape people’s experiences and rights.
The conference brings together voices from across the world—researchers, students, activists, and practitioners—who refuse to accept the marginalisation of sexuality and gender in social work and whose work is rich in insight, deeply personal, and profoundly political. Across more than 100 presentations and discussions, we will explore struggles and strategies for survival, care, transformation, and justice.
Q3: How is Slovenia doing compared to other European countries in guaranteeing gender equality and providing reproductive rights? Which European country can Slovenia look up to as a best practice case?
Slovenia has made important progress in many areas—access to abortion, for example, is legally protected and relatively accessible, which is unfortunately not the case in all European countries. However, we still face challenges, especially in terms of ensuring equitable access for all, including migrants and marginalised communities.
In terms of exemplary models, countries like the Netherlands or Sweden are often cited for their comprehensive and inclusive approaches to sexual and reproductive health and rights. But even these contexts are not without contradictions. The point is not to idealise any country, but to learn from different practices and push for justice across all contexts.
Q4: Do you believe events like this conference can prompt behavioural change among attendees and within the general public and policymakers?
Absolutely. Conferences create a space for dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of ideas. They can empower practitioners and researchers to return to their communities with renewed energy and critical insight. When participants share what they have learned, engage in new projects, or advocate for change based on the conference experience, the ripple effect can be substantial. Furthermore, public engagement around the conference—through media, public talks, or collaboration with policymakers—can help to shift broader conversations around sexuality, justice, and rights.
Q5: The conference was hosted at the Faculty of Social Work, while Cankarjev dom cooperated as a PCO (professional congress organiser), managing the registration of attendees, collecting expert articles, etc. How fruitful was the cooperation?
As I said, we are delighted to host the conference in the year of this important anniversary of the Faculty for Social Work, which boasts a number of renowned and relevant academic, community and other events in 2025.
Cankarjev dom’s professionalism and experience in organising international events have been invaluable in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
But, because organising an international conference is financially and logistically a handful, we decided to collaborate with Cankarjev dom. Their professionalism and experience in organising international events have been invaluable in ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from the registration process to technical logistics. This partnership allows the academic committee to focus on the content and quality of the program, while the organisational aspects are handled efficiently. It’s a great example of how different kinds of expertise can come together to make an event successful.
“Ljubljana is a “cool capital” because it blends tradition and modernity in a unique way. It’s a place where meaningful conversations can happen.”
Q6: Some attendees will likely visit Ljubljana for the first time. What is Ljubljana’s trump card that excites and inspires first-time visitors? Why is Ljubljana a cool capital for events?
Ljubljana is often described as small but full of character. What impresses most visitors is the mix of charm, accessibility, and cultural richness. The city is walkable, green, and welcoming, with a strong café culture and a vibrant arts scene. For many, it’s a pleasant surprise—off the beaten path but offering a lot.
Ljubljana is a “cool capital” because it blends tradition and modernity in a unique way. It’s a place where meaningful conversations can happen—in beautiful surroundings, with a strong sense of community. That atmosphere makes it perfect for events that aim not just to inform, but to inspire.
Find out more about the conference here.
