Parity respected, abortion rights contested
Gender equality was one of the conditions for joining the European Union. During the last war (1991-1995), women in Croatia suffered from a hardening of the paternalistic social structure, especially in rural areas. The birth control policy had relegated women to their sole function as mothers. It was not until the militant action of feminists (2000s) that legislation began to sanction conjugal violence and to encourage greater parity in the workplace, particularly in the political sphere.
Another struggle for women is the right to abortion. Although it was passed during the Yugoslav era, it is regularly challenged by reluctant doctors, who are supported in their "case of conscience" by very active anti-abortion activists, as in the United States. The "Marches for Life" attract people every year. In May 2022, several thousand people demonstrated against abortion when a surrogate mother of a sick child was denied her request to terminate a pregnancy by four Zagreb hospitals. Public pressure finally forced a medical commission to allow the abortion.
A quality education system
Tuition at public primary and secondary schools is free. Pupils enter first grade at the age of 7, where they begin to learn English - virtually all young Croatians are fluent in at least one foreign language.
In primary school, children have four to five hours of lessons a day, five days a week, from 8am to midday. In secondary school, pupils alternate these five days, one week in the morning (8am-1pm), one week in the afternoon (2pm-7pm). This means no canteen, but more time for sports classes, music, dance and art. Summer vacation lasts from mid-June to early September, plus two weeks at Christmas and a single week at Easter.
Secondary schools are divided into general (gimnazija), vocational (technical, industrial, handicraft) and artistic (music, dance, visual arts) programs. At the end of four years, students must pass the final maturity exam (baccalaureate level) in order to enroll in university. Since 2009, universities have been applying the Bologna system, with diplomas obtained in Croatia having equivalence throughout the EU.
Foreign students are eligible for Croatian government scholarships. Successful applicants will receive undergraduate/graduate studies (A1, A2, B), a monthly grant of 1,600 kuna, a return ticket to their home country, insurance and free accommodation in a student residence (www.studyincroatia.hr).
Many young Croatian graduates study abroad and often stay on. A reform of the education system is needed to renew curricula and affirm the State's financial commitment, which should encourage access to higher education and continuing training in line with the demands of the job market.
The family, between traditionalism, mutual aid and solidarity
In a country with a neo-liberal economy, where financial aid from the State is insignificant, family solidarity is not an empty word. In the countryside, when young people are old enough to become independent, if they don't have the means to settle down, a floor is raised for them. Three or even four generations share the same roof. It's also common for young people working abroad to send money home to their parents.
The attachment of many Croats to the defense of traditional Christian values has repercussions on society. In 2013, for example, a referendum called by Catholic associations focused on the constitutional definition of marriage as "the foundation of the family and society". It enshrined only one possible union, that of a man and a woman. Of those who voted, 65.76% said no to gay marriage. After a virulent debate of ideas, the Church swayed the Constitutional Court, and the teaching of sex education was also banned in schools. In July 2014, Parliament nevertheless passed a law authorizing civil unions between people of the same sex, granting them the same rights in terms of inheritance, social benefits and taxation, but excluding the right to adopt children. Following a court ruling (2020), same-sex couples can now apply to adopt a child. While homophobic behavior still worries LGBTQI rights activists, gay rights are more widely accepted. The small community is enjoying greater visibility thanks to new associative venues and festive events such as Gay Pride.
A modern health care system
Reliable forensic medicine operates to rigorous quality standards. Private clinics offer medical tourism (cosmetic and dental surgery). For Croatian users, the compulsory social security system includes sickness-maternity, invalidity-old-age-death and unemployment insurance, but provides meagre family benefits. There is no specific insurance for work-related accidents or illnesses. Care for the sick and destitute is covered by private health insurance and pension funds. However, the high cost of healthcare means that grandmother's remedies are often preferred.
It should be noted that the retirement age in Croatia is 65 for men and 63 for women - an increase of 3 months per year is planned for the latter, to reach 65 by 2030.
A social cohesion that promotes the values of honesty
Corruption and cronyism are still rampant, even in the administration, police, schools and hospitals, leaving part of the population more or less apathetic. People deplore these practices but live with them. Slipping a small envelope into the hands of government officials "can" make things better, speeding up patient treatment for example. Since joining the EU, this scourge has declined, but according to recent surveys, it remains one of the driving forces behind youth emigration. Elected representatives, sports club directors and company directors have all been convicted.
Street crime, on the other hand, is very low. Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply basic rules of caution, particularly in summer in seaside resorts (pickpockets). In restaurants, it's best to double-check your bill, but Croatia remains a safe country. The Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries worldwide according to their degree of pacifism, taking into account the extent of their involvement in local and international conflicts and the degree of harmony or discord within the country, placed Croatia in 14th position in 2023, behind Slovenia (8th) but well ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina (61st) and France (67th).
