Jus told the STA she saw the award as a "special recognition" as it was conferred by female artists, and also as a recognition to the Slovenian song-writing.

It represents solidarity, comradeship, she said, which is what she praises in her work.

Jus, a freelancer since 2004, has so far issued ten albums. Her songs have been translated into German, English, Polish, Bulgarian, Czech, Slovakian, Bosnian and Serbian and have been interpreted by artists from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia.

She also cooperates with a women's choir singing resistance songs, Kombinat, which nominated her for the award.

The jury agreed with the choir's view of Jus as socially critical artist, who responds to "all the weaknesses and anomalies of the modern society" in her work.

"Her work reveals bold criticism, ruthless irony and sometimes cynicism, but this never overshadows the strong lyrical messages of her songs," a member of the jury said.

Jus was picked the winner among nine candidates, of whom the jury also gave a special mention to Maja Novak, Silvana Paletti and Evelina Umek.

She received a financial prize, a diploma, a unique glass and a necklace with a red star, designed by artist Tihomir Tomič.

The Mira Prize was introduced in 2013 by the women's section of the Slovenian PEN, which is like the award named Mira after the long overlooked female author Mira Mihelič (1912-1985).