UN Women Europe and Asia reports on the “I Love Balkan” Regional Conference, funded by the Western Balkans Fund and the European Union, as part of the 4th CfP.
The conference, with partners from all the Contracting Parties of the Region 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 Murra, 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.
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