Lah was praised by the magazine as a humanitarian, animal lover and one of the few who dare speak against politics which does not work to the benefit of the people.

"She understands her job as a vocation and is convinced we are the ones who can change the world," Zarja said in a release.

Together with her colleagues, she organised free summer day care for 700 school children at the Maribor Danica Vogrinec Home for the Elderly, where she works.

The magazine also pointed out her open latter in which Lah had drawn attention to many Slovenian children living in poverty.

Vying for the Woman of 2018 title had been women with a positive mindset who make efforts for a better world with tangible results.

Lah received the accolade at Monday's ceremony at SNG Opera and Ballet in Ljubljana after all nine finalists were received by President Borut Pahor at the Presidential Palace.

The Woman of the Year received a statuette of a woman made by artist Ljubica Ratkajec Kočica from the hands of Zarja editor-in-chief Melita Berzelak.