Women entrepreneurs from the Western Balkans meet in Pristina for regional conference

Held in September 16, the “I Love Balkan” conference was organized by the Balkan Women Association and NGO Lady with support from UN Women Kosovo¹. The event brought together women from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, to discuss ways to support women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

The conference served as a platform to discuss and exchange experiences and best practices on women’s entrepreneurship among stakeholders from the Western Balkans region. The conference included dedicated panel discussion on topics ranging from entrepreneurship, women in business and the environment.

“With this conference, we are making a strong impression that today we are ready for the construction of collapsed bridges. The economic empowerment of women and youth and their cooperation are key to improving political, economic and social issues in our region" said Sanija Murati, Director of the Balkan Women Association, created with the aim of improving the capacities of women entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans.

“Women are the real heroes of every single family. Women are the glue holding together our communities. Women are the ones that endure the most difficult of times,” said Gjergj Furra Executive Director of the Western Balkans Fund, speaking at the conference.

“Investing in women entrepreneurs is a game-changer. When women entrepreneurs are supported and have equal access to economic opportunities, everyone benefits,” said Vlora Tuzi Nushi, Head of UN Women Kosovo.

Shqipe Breznica, Director of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Kosovo, highlighted that the “economic empowerment of women supports integration and inclusion since by being financially stable and independent all marginalized groups become more confident and competent, and from the margins gradually move to the centre and make sure that their voices are heard.”

As part of the conference, the “Balkan Women’s Association” launched the "Women Book”, a publication featuring 60 success stories of women entrepreneurs from across the Western Balkans, some of whom were present at the event.

¹ All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).