Good morning everyone,
Honourable organizers,
Honourable Mr. Panxha,
Honourable Entrepreneurs,
Dear extraordinary women and girls,
Thank you for the invitation!
I’m so glad we’re starting this day together, we actually had breakfast with some women and men entrepreneurs who really believe in the cause of gender equality, and I think there’s an incredibly positive driving force among you and within you that lies itself in the foundations of economic development
While we are meeting within the “Kosova Business Forum”, in such a format, naturally my focus, as Astrit also mentioned, will be on the participation of girls and women in business and the labour market in general.
It is being confirmed more and more each day that it is girls and women through whom the full economic potential can be achieved, untapped opportunities can be explored and our development objectives can be fully capitalized. Data, research, reports are making it more and more clear that the engagement of women in business affects greater economic growth, prosperity and development for everyone.
While this topic is often treated under the guise of gender equality or social justice, we must ultimately understand that the equal inclusion of girls and women is not simply the right thing to do, but is also the key to unlocking their full developmental potential in our country and elsewhere. Respectively, it is a prerequisite for improving overall well-being.
One thing is certain – when women progress and are active in society, societies themselves progress and enjoy greater well-being. Women bring perspective; women bring innovation; women bring progress.
Our world is experiencing a tremendous transformation and at the forefront of this change are visionary women, who are breaking barriers and reshaping the business landscape and not only.
I consider that we are experiencing a decisive time; a time when women’s talents, skills and determination are increasingly being recognized and appreciated. I am convinced that day by day, inclusiveness and equal opportunities will not be mere words, but basic principles and guiding principles for every institution, organization and company.
However, the road to gender equality is long and we must continue to challenge stereotypes, fight prejudice and create environments where every woman feels empowered to reach her full potential.
In fact, women have always been the backbone of our societies based on the crucial role they traditionally had in the family. But women are much more than that, they are a source of transformative energy for our state and society. They are playing an increasingly active role in our societies. And now this is being proven through their outstanding leadership in the direction of corporations, start-ups, economic organizations and not only.
However, the journey of women in business is fraught with challenges. From systemic prejudices and unequal opportunities, to what is known as the challenge of creating a balance between professional engagement on the one hand and private life on the other, a phenomenon unfortunately very little known to the other gender.
In this journey, the creation of supporting public policy infrastructure is essential. This includes flexible working hours, appropriate parental leave policies and affordable childcare as mentioned earlier through the provision of sufficient nurseries so that women are more encouraged to engage in business, but also in public life. By creating an environment where women don’t have to choose between their careers and their families, because they can have both, we not only make it easier for them to engage, but also increase opportunities and empower them for greater success in every sector and in every aspect.
Today, in the business world, we find ourselves surrounded by inspiring stories of women who have defied the odds; have turned challenges into opportunities; and have turned disappointments or any eventual failure into steps that bring them closer and closer to success. As important as these stories are on a personal level, they serve as a source of inspiration for other girls and women who come after them.
To the young women entering the business world, I want to tell you this: you have the opportunity to become part of a social transformation. A transformation that strongly believes in inclusiveness and which, through equal opportunities, opens doors even to those who may hesitate to get involved at first or who see entrepreneurship as a distant dream.
Meanwhile, to the seasoned professionals in this room, I want to express the highest appreciation for your tenacity, wisdom and winning spirit. You have paved the way for many, many other girls and women to whom doors were once closed and opportunities seemed distant. But, your work is not yet done. Your legacy should never be just what you achieved. The greatest achievement is the path you will pave for others who come after you so that they can walk more freely and with ever fewer obstacles ahead.
This forum today and the conversations that will follow are moments to celebrate the achievements and work of women and girls throughout Kosovo and beyond, who have worked diligently to reshape the narrative of success in the business world.
This activity today as well as your daily work brings us one step closer to our common goal of creating an inclusive environment where opportunities are equal, doors are open, and desire, work and dedication to growth and development are the main drivers towards openness of new successful chapters in the development history of our country.
Thank you very much for the opportunity and I wish you success during the forum!
