Numerous women encounter various challenges, including limited access to information, gender disparities in treatment and inadequate support systems within the business sector. As part of its commitment to fostering community development, DEMOS has supported Liridona Bislimi, a member of the Municipal Assembly in Viti/Vitina, in organising a productive roundtable discussion with women and girls who are entrepreneurial leaders in the area. By facilitating these discussions, DEMOS is empowering women, addressing gender disparities, building support systems, and fostering community engagement at the grassroots level. Additionally, DEMOS is advocating for increased engagement from members of Municipal Assemblies to better serve citizens.
Throughout the discussion, the need for institutions to establish mechanisms that would facilitate communication between female-led businesses and governmental bodies was emphasized.
“Indeed, institutions must establish frameworks fostering connectivity between women-led businesses and governmental entities,” remarked Ms. Bislimi.
“Moreover, the municipal business office in Vitia/Vitina should enhance its outreach efforts, ensuring that announcements go directly to female entrepreneurs,” she further stressed.
Ms. Bislimi underscored the importance of proactive engagement from the municipality’s business office. “We must ensure that women entrepreneurs are informed of relevant opportunities and resources,” she insisted. “This includes not only disseminating information through official channels but also actively reaching out to them, inviting their participation in various programs and initiatives.”
The women at the roundtable shared their experiences of missed opportunities and bureaucratic hurdles they had encountered in their entrepreneurial journeys, further highlighting the urgent need for streamlined support mechanisms.
“Being present and showing a genuine interest in our needs is a tremendous support. Our challenges are numerous, with access to equipment for processing the harvest being a pressing concern. Even after applying for assistance, it’s crucial to secure grants for essential equipment. As our work expands, so do the challenges and demands,” expressed Elizabeta Noci, a participant in the roundtable discussion.
During the gathering, Deputy Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Ali Tafarshiku, provided an overview of the initiatives undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to directly bolster the private sector. He also highlighted the annual Call for Proposals program, which offers grants to businesses across Kosovo and is administered by the Ministry of Regional Development.
“Where meetings or information sessions are held for grant applications for businesses, the number of female participants is very low, and unfortunately, the number of applications is also very low. Either there is no interest or a total lack of information among businesses led by women,” he added.
The roundtable helped shed light on the urgent challenges confronting women in the business sector. It also demonstrated the unwavering determination and resilience of those working to surmount these obstacles. Ms Bislimi noted attendees’ satisfaction with the recommendations, expressing eagerness for future gatherings.
“The table overflowed with valuable insights offering recommendations that left the women thoroughly satisfied, eager for more such gatherings in the future,” she highlighted.
Until now, the Municipality of Vitia/Vitina has supported several entrepreneurial women to develop business activities in various fields. A few years ago, in cooperation with Helvetas, the Youth Center in Vitia/Vitina offered training and grants to several women. According to Donjeta Sadiku from the Youth Center, most of the women who participated in these trainings have opened businesses in tailoring, hairdressing, pastry making, etc. Additionally, Fadile Demelezi, a rural development officer in the Municipality of Viti/Vitina, has confirmed the support provided by the municipality to rural women through co-financing with donors and by providing them with stands in public spaces to sell their products.
