‘Zagreb Citizen of the Year’ Neva Tölle would first ‘remove kneelers from the square’
Feminist Neva Tölle, awarded Zagreb Citizen of the Year, calls for the removal of religious kneeling figures in public spaces.
Neva Tölle, a prominent feminist and activist, has recently been awarded the title of Zagreb Citizen of the Year during a ceremony at the Zagreb City Assembly. In her acceptance speech, Tölle emphasized the need to remove kneeling religious figures from public squares, arguing that they project an outdated view of women's roles in society, implying that women belong in the kitchen and should prioritize domestic duties. Tölle's remarks were well-received by the progressive members of the assembly, who see this as a necessary step toward modernizing public spaces and promoting gender equality.
The award presentation was attended by the President of the Zagreb City Assembly, Matej Mišić, and the Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, both of whom addressed the audience regarding Tölle's contributions to feminist causes. Tölle is well-known for her advocacy for abortion rights and has been a vocal opponent of the influence of the Catholic Church in political affairs. Her selection for this prestigious award reflects a continuation of Tomašević's agenda that aligns with leftist ideologies, which prioritize social change and equality in Zagreb.
Tölle has been actively involved in feminist movements and is one of the founding members of the Autonomous Women's House in Zagreb, which provides support and resources for women facing domestic violence and other social issues. Her radical approach and outspoken views are emblematic of a broader push against traditional norms in Croatian society, making her a controversial figure among conservatives. The discussion surrounding her award and statements reflects a deeper ideological divide in Croatia, particularly in the context of gender roles and the influence of religion in public life.