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Ladies Association SPES

The Ladies Association SPES was founded in 2015 and officially registered in Belgrade in 2017. It was born out of a heartfelt desire by long-standing friends and associates to create a space where experiences are shared selflessly and support is offered to everyone in need. We named the association after Spes, the Roman goddess of hope, as we were brought together by the very belief that a better and more beautiful world is possible if each of us contributes to it.

Today, our association comprises just over 40 women. While most of us are based in Serbia, we are proud to have members from Montenegro, Republika Srpska, Croatia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. We are also joined by several gentlemen—loyal friends of the association—who kindly assist us with various activities.

Our members come from diverse professional backgrounds. Among us are lawyers, English professors, designers, and economic experts. Some work within public institutions, while others are entrepreneurs running their own businesses. Since its inception, the President of the association has been Lisa Brown, owner of the Belgrade-based publishing house The English Book and the Vila Ravijojla wellness estate in Krčedin.

Membership in the association is free of charge, as we do not rely on fees or donations, but rather on goodwill and mutual agreement. We believe that female support is an invaluable source of strength and positive energy, and that together we can achieve everything we envision, free from strict rules and rigid formalities. Our mission is to connect women who share common values, providing one another with a helping hand in times of trouble, as well as support for personal and professional growth. Life’s journey can sometimes be very challenging, and we want to ensure that no woman has to walk that path alone.

Our Activities

Our calendar is filled with the enjoyment of active rest and quality socialising. Several times a year, we organise trips abroad, where we visit cities in Austria, Italy, Hungary, Romania, and other countries during extended weekends. The association has its own minibus for members to travel together, providing us with complete comfort throughout our journey. Rather than large tourist hubs, we prefer to choose hidden gems and smaller towns, such as Bergamo or Iseo in Italy, as the mobility of our own transport allows us to explore more interesting places in the surrounding area.

Saturdays are often reserved for day trips across Serbia. Together, we visit monasteries, areas of natural beauty, traditional farmsteads (etno salaši), and cultural festivals—ranging from famous Vojvodina food fairs to events that preserve ancient crafts and our cultural heritage. A special gathering place for us is the Vila Ravijojla estate in Krčedin. In addition to the spring Sowing Festival and the autumn Harvest Festival, we also organise themed meet-ups such as "International Cuisine Days". These are opportunities to prepare exotic dishes together in nature, filled with laughter and mutual support, complemented by yoga sessions or aqua aerobics in our spare time.

However, the most valuable part of our work is mutual support. When one of us faces difficult life challenges, we organise ourselves through voluntary contributions and initiatives to provide concrete assistance. From our annual Assembly, where we collectively agree on new plans, to celebrating birthdays and holidays together, our goal remains the same—to spend quality time together and truly be there for one another.

MUTUAL AID AND SUPPORT

TRAVELS AND EXCURSIONS

CELEBRATIONS AND GATHERINGS

RECREATION AND WELLNESS

CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS

GASTRONOMIC SOCIALS

For more information about our activities, please visit our Facebook page.

Visit our Facebook page

Why join us?

In our association, everything starts simply: from a relaxed conversation to social gatherings and quality time spent together. It is through these moments that we get to know one another, connect, and gradually build relationships of true value. If you enjoy being part of a community where socialising feels natural and support comes spontaneously, we believe you will feel right at home among us.

FREE MEMBERSHIP

Free membership

Although there is no membership fee in our association, you enter our community with your most valuable assets – your character and your energy. SPES is a community for women who are supportive, love helping others, and carry a cheerful spirit in everything they do. We look for enterprising individuals ready for action, those who truly enjoy travelling and know how to appreciate well-spent time. It is precisely this willingness to contribute to the community that connects us and has kept our circle stable for years.

NETWORKING

Networking

Our community brings together women from various walks of life and professional paths – from entrepreneurs and professors to artists and experts across various fields. Such a blend allows for a natural exchange of experience and knowledge, where every member can gain a new perspective or useful first-hand advice. Networking within SPES is not a mere formality, but an opportunity to broaden your horizons and strengthen your own capacities through conversations with women from different professions.

HELP AND SUPPORT

Help and support

The strength of our association is best recognised in moments when one of us needs concrete help. Whether it is regarding health challenges, life crises, or professional obstacles, we organise quickly and act in unison. We believe that no woman should have to go through difficult periods alone, which is why we nurture an atmosphere in which it is perfectly natural to seek support and receive it from those who understand you best.

TRAVELLING TOGETHER

Travelling together

Nothing refreshes the soul quite like a trip with dear people who share your interests. Our excursions are the result of mutual agreement – we choose the landmarks to visit and the pace that suits us all, without the pressure of typical tourist tours. We take special care to always find the most affordable options, as our goal is for everyone to rest and enjoy new experiences with minimal costs. These are the moments when one truly recharges their batteries in the company of true friends.

We plan our gatherings and travels in advance, giving every month its own special touch. We have prepared a calendar of activities for 2026, filled with excursions, shared celebrations, and new adventures awaiting us. We invite you to take a look at our plan and see where we will be spending our time in the year ahead.

View our activities plan

Members’ Stories

A Vision Sculpted in Clay

"A few years ago, I decided to transform my vision of the goddess SPES into a work of art. As I patiently shaped her features in clay, I was inspired by the wonderful women who make up our association. Thus, my goddess was born – beautiful, gentle, self-assured, wise, and unique, with a steady gaze and a kind smile. Such are all the women in SPES!"

Ljilja C.

A Mosaic of Shared Talents

"SPES is hope found in a smile, a hug, and the warmth of a moment shared with friends. It is about discovering new places, but also about building a better version of oneself. We are a synergy of creative potential – like a master recipe where each of us is a specific spice, creating a rhapsody of flavours. Whether it is yoga, music, mutual support, or a secret holiday recipe, we are a family bound by love."

Sladja and Mila

A Bridge That Connects Across Distance

"Even when we are physically far apart, the spirit of SPES reaches me. Through our shared stories, celebrations at the beautiful estate in Krčedin, and the thoughtful way every birthday is marked, I feel truly present. In an age of human isolation, being part of such a community is a genuine privilege."

Senka

Empowerment and Professional Strength

"This is a space where I feel accepted, understood, and supported. SPES is a circle of trust and the wind beneath our wings. Beyond the joy of travel, we are a community of women who empower one another, sharing experiences and practical solutions for everyday challenges. We are a bridge connecting women from different backgrounds with the goal of strengthening the role of women in society."

Masha and Milada

FAQ

Personal growth occurs spontaneously through the time we spend together. We exchange experiences, support one another, and encourage healthier habits without any imposition or pressure. Activities such as yoga, aqua aerobics, Tai Chi, or walks in nature help create a sense of balance and allow for much-needed "me time". Through our conversations, travels, and daily encounters, we learn from each other and broaden our horizons. In such an environment, change happens naturally — step by step.

Professional development within SPES does not take place through formal programmes or structured training, but through the daily exchange of knowledge and experience among members. As we bring together women from various professions and fields, conversations naturally arise that often lead to useful advice, new solutions, or entirely new business ideas. Through mutual contacts and recommendations, members have the opportunity to expand their professional networks and achieve collaborations that might otherwise have been missed. Furthermore, our travels and gatherings often provide a relaxed atmosphere to discuss work, challenges, and plans without formality or pressure. In this way, professional growth is not a goal in itself, but a natural result of the connection, trust, and open exchange among women who support each other.

The Association’s headquarters is located in Belgrade, at the offices of "The English Book", situated at Staro Sajmište 29, 11070 Belgrade. However, members frequently participate in activities at the "Vila Ravijojla" wellness estate in Krčedin, located at Cara Dušana 80.

Any woman who identifies with the values upon which the association is founded — openness, mutual support, and a readiness to participate in the shared life of the community — can become a member of SPES. We do not impose strict formal requirements or restrictions regarding profession, age, or life circumstances. What matters is a willingness to socialise, participate in activities, and maintain a relationship with other members based on respect and solidarity. SPES is a community that grows naturally, through women who wish to be part of such an environment and who bring with them goodwill, energy, and a readiness to contribute as much as they can.

No. Membership in SPES is not restricted to entrepreneurs or those in specific professions. We equally welcome women who run their own businesses, those employed in the public or private sectors, professionals, those changing careers, or those currently between jobs. Diverse professional experiences are precisely what makes our community richer and more interesting. SPES is not a business network in the narrow sense, but a community where women connect, support each other, and exchange experiences — without the obligation to belong to the same professional world.

No. Although the Association was founded in Belgrade and a portion of our activities is organised there, membership is not limited by place of residence. Our members come from various cities and countries, and many gatherings and communications take place outside Belgrade through travels and shared events. What matters is not your location, but your willingness to occasionally engage in the community's life and participate in its activities whenever possible. SPES is envisioned as a connecting network, rather than a locally closed group.

Men cannot become members of the Ladies Association SPES, as the association is designed as a space for female networking, support, and shared development. However, men can become "Friends of the Association" and contribute to its activities in that capacity. As Friends of SPES, they may participate in certain events, provide organisational support, or get involved in projects when needed. This ensures the core idea of the association as a female-oriented space is preserved, while remaining open to collaboration with everyone who shares our values.

The joining procedure is straightforward and focused on mutual introduction. The first step is to send your CV and a brief cover letter to our email address. Following this, we will invite you for an interview at our headquarters in New Belgrade so that we can get to know each other better and discuss our expectations. If our goals and values align, we will invite you to the next SPES meeting to meet the other members and officially become part of our community. A detailed visual guide of the entire process can be found in the "Join Us" section on this page.

No. There is no membership fee for the Ladies Association SPES, either upon joining or on a monthly basis. Membership is free of charge, as the Association is not funded through mandatory member payments, but through voluntary engagement and mutual agreement on activities when required. Our focus is not on financial obligations, but on mutual support, trust, and active participation in the community.

There is no strictly defined schedule for meetings and social gatherings, as activities are organised according to agreement and the current needs of our members. Formal meetings are typically held once or twice a quarter, while social gatherings are much more frequent and may occur several times a month. During certain times of the year, such as February, gatherings are particularly frequent as many members celebrate birthdays, naturally creating more opportunities for socialising. Our approach is flexible and tailored to our members, ensuring everyone has the chance to participate when it suits them.

Trips abroad are organised flexibly, in accordance with the agreement and interest of our members, without a strictly defined calendar. On average, we organise one to two such trips per quarter, which amounts to approximately four to eight trips per year. This frequency may vary depending on the season, availability, and collective agreement. The goal is for every trip to be well-considered and in line with the group's wishes, rather than simply meeting a predetermined number.

Decisions on destinations are made collectively through agreements between members at meetings organised by the Association. At these gatherings, proposals are presented, various options are considered, and the interests and wishes of the majority are taken into account. In this way, every trip is planned according to mutual agreement, rather than a predetermined choice. The aim is for the decision to be a result of consensus and for the destination to suit as many members as possible, ensuring every trip is pleasant and fulfilling for the entire group.

Join Us

Your application

Your Application

The first step is to send your CV and a brief cover letter to our email address: . Please tell us about your interests and the reasons why you wish to become part of our community.

Invitation for an interview

Invitation for an Interview

After reviewing the application, the candidate is invited for an interview at the Association’s headquarters in New Belgrade. This is an opportunity for us to get to know one another better, for the candidate to introduce herself, share her expectations, and receive answers to any questions she may have.

Becoming a member

Becoming a Member

Following the initial introduction, the new member is invited to the next SPES meeting to meet the other ladies and become part of our community. By joining SPES, you become part of a network that has been building relationships based on trust for years. Travels together, support through all of life’s challenges, and the opportunity to enrich our association with your presence await you.

We believe that the strength of our association lies in the diversity of experiences and a shared readiness to help one another. If you wish to become part of our colourful bouquet and contribute to our growth and development with your presence, your application is the first step towards new friendships and shared successes.

Contact

  • Ladies Association SPES
  • 29 Staro Sajmište Street, 11070 New Belgrade