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Serbia has no shortage of stunning women: scientists, artists, athletes — you name it. No matter their walk of life, these ladies have left a mark that goes beyond the ordinary. So, if you’re a language learner, a curious traveler, or just looking for a dose of inspiration, strap in and meet the most famous Serbian women.
Though you could fit Serbia into Texas seven times, what it packs in culture is anything but small. The same goes for talented people who’ve made a real change.
Here, we’re celebrating the women whose dreams, ideas, and talents have become part of Serbia’s story. Artists, scientists, authors, athletes — they’re what makes this country shine.
Most people know her as Albert Einstein’s first wife, but she was so much more than that.
Mileva was one of the most educated women at a time when science was pretty much a boys’ club. In fact, she was one of the first women to study physics and math at the prestigious Zurich Polytechnic.
That’s also where she met her future husband and collaborator. Sadly, Mileva’s genius stayed out of the limelight — in the shadows of her Nobel laureate husband.
Still, many believe that she played a major role in Einstein’s work. And, yes, that includes his groundbreaking theory of relativity.
Serbia has its fair share of world-class women athletes, though they often fly under the radar compared to their male colleagues. One such sportswoman, Ana Ivanović, left a mark in the tennis world with her graceful presence and powerful style of play.
On top of that, this Grand Slam-winning player ranked no. 1 in the world in 2008. After retiring from her tennis career, Ana is still making the world a better place through her charity initiatives.
Another tennis icon, Jelena Janković, ranked number one for 17 weeks straight. Off the court, fans love her for her charm and sense of humor. But don’t let her laid-back vibe fool you — her discipline kept her at the top, even with tough competition and injuries along the way.
These days, Jelena lives in San Diego with her family, enjoying the fruits of her hard work. But despite her retirement, she takes part in charity work and continues to be a role model for women everywhere.
Do you have a 200-dinar bill in your wallet? Yup, that’s Nadežda Petrović’s face. But what is this lady famous for?
Except for being the only woman on a Serbian banknote, she was a brilliant painter who brought bold colors and a fresh approach to the art scene. In other words, she helped bring Serbian art up to speed with the latest trends in European art.
But that’s not all! Nadežda was also a patriot and human rights activist. On top of that, she stepped up as a nurse during the Balkan Wars, helping the wounded and sick. Sadly, she contracted typhus and cholera, which eventually killed her. Still, her bravery and legacy live on.
Marina Abramović is probably the most controversial person on this list. She’s a performance artist known for pushing the limits and connecting with her audience on an intense level.
Since her body is her main tool, she often subjects herself to uncomfortable, exhausting, or life-threatening situations. For instance, in one of her performances, she stood for hours in front of an arrow that was aiming straight at her heart.
Not everyone gets her art, and many find it shocking or disturbing. Still, there’s no denying that Marina is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) performance artists of our time.
Biljana Srbljanović is a famous Serbian playwright. Her notable works are plays like Porodične priče (Family Stories) and Beogradska Trilogija (Belgrade Trilogy). However, most people know and love her for the hilarious TV show Otvorena vrata (Open Door). If you’re curious, we’ve written about it in our guide on Serbian TV series.
Also, Biljana doesn’t mince her words and openly speaks about hot-button issues like gender inequality and LGBTQ rights. As a result, she often takes heat from the media and tabloids.
Time to shine a light on a lady who always hits the right notes, and beautifully so. Silvana Armenulić was a Yugoslav singer famous for her powerful voice. Even today, many remember her as the Queen of Sevdalinka — soulful folk songs with heart-wrenching lyrics.
Sadly, Silvana lost her life in a car accident when she was only 37. Yet, she lives on through classics like Šta će mi život (What’s this life for), securing her spot as a timeless favorite in kafana music.
Have you heard the story of a Serbian Mulan? Just like the Disney hero, Milunka Savić disguised herself as a man to join the army during World War I. By the time her true identity came to light, she’d already proved her courage and grit. As a result, Milunka fought many more battles and also earned plenty of medals for her feats.
After the war, this amazing woman took in and cared for orphaned kids. Her bravery and selflessness left a lasting mark — and that’s why we still celebrate her today.
The Serbian movie scene boasts female stars galore. Among them, Milena Dravić stands out as a true icon. People loved her for her charm, humor, and, of course, superb acting skills. From comedies to dramas, even TV commercials — Milena always played it like a pro.
Admittedly, she had plenty of time to perfect her craft since she starred in over 160 movies. One of her most famous roles is a divorced mother of four daughters in the comedy Nije lako sa muškarcima (It Isn’t Easy to Get Along With Men).
So, what do you think of these famous Serbian women? Did they spark your interest in all things Serbian? In any case, these incredible ladies offer a glimpse into the brilliant side of this Balkan country.
Finally, if you’re feeling inspired, why not use that momentum to learn Serbian? Kick off your journey with our self-study worksheets. All you need to do is sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll send you the materials twice a month for free. Enjoy studying!
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