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Women entrepreneurs as a catalyst for change - women bridging the divide

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For the first time in Mitrovica one-day conference was held on the topic: "Women entrepreneurs as a catalyst for change -women bridging the divide", organized by the NGO Community Building Mitrovica (CBM) in collaboration with the Association of Women for Human Rights in Mitrovica, supported by UNDP. Attendees of the conference, besides successful women in entrepreneurship, were also representatives of non-governmental organizations, international institutions such as the EU, UNDP, etc., embassies, women who are active in business, civic activists, etc.

The opening and moderating of the conference was made by Mrs. Valdete Idrizi, Director of CIVIKOS who emphasized the role of women in society, especially in the city of Mitrovica, with already known specifics. In spite of the important role that women play in society, their obvious problems are poor representation in leadership and no property inheritance. Research studies show that only 3% of women in the country have immovable property.

Aferdita Syla, Executive Director of CommunityBuilding Mitrovica in her statement, said that women in Mitrovica have played an important role in passing barriers, showing potential for building a better life. Among other things, projects that have been implemented through CBM have played a crucial role in reducing tensions and building community by finding common ways to overcome divisions. Gordana Lazovic, on behalf of Association of Women for Human Rights in Mitrovica, mentioned an important role in their work: bringing women together, overcoming every obstacle that different communities can coexist in Mitrovica.

Osnat Lubrani - UN Coordinator for Development and UNDP representative in Kosovo said in her presentation that she has been consistently following the development of entrepreneurial women in Kosovo. She openly expressed willingness of the international organizations to help this very important sector.

Due to absence at the conference, EU Reporter for Kosovo, Ulrike Lunachek, at the European Parliament, in her video message pointed out that it is necessary to increase the visibility of women in entrepreneurship and business, especially in leadership. Networking should also play a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurial women, and conferences like this are a way to create network. She expressed her pleasure to see so many women who want to build their own business, overcoming barriers created by the conflict. In the continuation of the conference, presentations were made by very successful entrepreneurs and NGO representatives.

Linda Shala owner of "Data Project Electronic ", and member of Kosovo Women Chamber of Commerce stated among other things, that Board’s priority is Economic Development of Kosovo. Vesna Golubovic, the executive director of NGO "D & G Solutions" introduced the work of the organization that is working in six municipalities in Kosovo, but the lack of women in the activities of this organization is more than evident. Brikena Sylejmani –UNDP Gender Program Associate Kosovo: "the percentage of private property ownership never exceeds two-digit figure when it comes to women and unemployment rate in the majority of cases are women." For this reason, four indicators are very important: Networking, Exchange of information, Advocacy and Capacity Building, Lobbying, to enter in the medium and long term planning.

Vetone Veliu, civil society activist in Mitrovica, said in her presentation that civil society has played and is playing a central role in building communities; and also in taking initiatives for reconciliation. It has a special focus on entrepreneurial performance in Mitrovica, which according to Mrs. Veliu needs a lot of support. Not putting aside the role of the media in this regard, Mirjana Milutinovic, Executive Director of Radio Contact Plus Mitrovica, presented their work in building community and the space provided for women and youth. Cooperation between two parts of the city was also mentioned by Natasa Saveljic – peace and civil society activist.

During the discussion, numerous recommendations and suggestions from women who participated were given, few highlighted points were: Women without immovable property / violate of the right of access to credit and other forms of government grants, etc. Relevant stakeholders have to create conditions to increase the capacity of women in entrepreneurship: climate for women in entrepreneurship, credit conditions, and employment conditions with the focus towards single mothers, support of women in the work placement within and outside the country. These conditions can be established taking into account the following indicators: Networking, Sharing Information / Capacity building and advocacy and lobbying.

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