Albanian 
Prishtina, November 17, 2023 – The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo concluded the 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Week with the ‘Breaking Boundaries: Women Redefining Entrepreneurship’ event, which brought together a diverse and accomplished group of successful women in business and business activists to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for overcoming challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape.
The event, which was moderated by Shqipe Neziri Vela, from the Women in Energy and Mining Committee, aimed to highlight the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs who have shattered stereotypes and redefined the entrepreneurial landscape, but also served as a platform for these successful women to share their stories, challenges, and successes, inspiring the next generation of women leaders.
Panel comprised featured successful women entrepreneurs and business activists such as Melita Ymeraga from Melita & Partners, Flandra Marmullaku from Talent Management Services, and Arta Istrefi from Women Entrepreneurs Network. Their presentations focused on the importance of resilience, innovation, and collaboration in the face of adversity. Participants learnt about how these successful women overcame obstacles, broke down barriers, and achieved remarkable success in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Participants also had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and support within the local business ecosystem. The event underscored the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo’s commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in the business world.
The event delved into a comprehensive discussion on the critical importance of support in overcoming the continuous obstacles faced by women in entering the market. Emphasizing that this support begins at home, participants highlighted the prevailing gender diversity challenges, and the persisting gender gap and the need for increased gender awareness. Notably, the meeting shed light on the rising prominence of women entrepreneurs and various successful women communities breaking societal norms and boundaries. The conversation touched on the contrasting living standards and mindsets between urban and rural areas, noting the impact of patriarchal traits on women’s opportunities. Attendees emphasized the necessity for women mentoring and networking, citing instances where men tend to be louder in achieving similar results.
The discussion addressed educational disparities, challenges faced during childcare and pregnancy that sometimes lead to perceptions of incompetence and unreliability. While acknowledging a slow fade in the gender gap, participants highlighted the role of initiatives like “Vital Voices,” an NGO/community advocating for equal rights and opportunities. The meeting underscored the inheritance disadvantages, socio-economic factors, and limited access to financial resources as additional hurdles that women continue to navigate in their entrepreneurial journeys.
By showcasing the achievements of women in business, AmCham hopes to encourage more women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to the continued growth of Kosovo’s business community.