No economic development without women. Western Balkan case

By Senida Mesi

In the Western Balkans, women are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shattering glass ceilings. They are entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, and agents of change. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit have transformed industries, created employment opportunities, and propelled economic development in our region.

They are active players in Social, Economic and Political Life.?

There was a time women had no voting rights, now they are active as Ministers, Parliamentarians, Mayors, Member of City Councils, Directors in the highest position of the Public Institutions.

Even thought for this, there was a need to have Gender Quotas (I’m not a fan of gender quotas, but if for the time being they help to have more women in politics, than let it be)

The use of quotas to promote women's representation in politics has a history that spans several decades. ?The implementation of gender quotas in politics began in the 1970s in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. These quotas were primarily introduced in response to the feminist movements of the time. Actually, Sweden, Finland has voluntary gender quotas in place, with political parties encouraged to promote gender equality in their candidate lists. Denmark does not have gender quotas in politics. The quota applies to both national and local elections.

Latin America: In the 1990s, several countries in Latin America adopted women's quotas as part of electoral reforms. Argentina, for example, implemented a law in 1991 that established a minimum quota of 30% women candidates on party lists.

Rwanda: Following the Rwandan genocide in 1994, the country experienced a significant shift in political representation. In response, Rwanda introduced a quota system in 2003, requiring a minimum of 30% women's representation in parliament. Today, Rwanda has one of the highest proportions of women in parliament globally, with women holding more than 60% of the seats.

European Union: The European Union has been influential in promoting gender equality and women's representation in politics. In the 1990s, the EU started advocating for gender quotas as a means to address the underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions. Although the EU has not enforced quotas, it has encouraged member states to adopt voluntary measures or legislative quotas to increase women's representation in politics.

Numerous countries, including Belgium, France, Spain, and many others, have introduced legislative quotas or voluntary targets to increase women's representation in parliament and other political positions. Some countries have set specific targets, such as achieving 30% or 40% representation by a certain year.?

As of now, in Western Balkans, women hold around 35% of the seats in the respective national Parliaments, where Bosnia & Hercegovina with less representation (19%) and North Macedonia with more[1] women participation (42%) of woman in the Parliament.

Today, I want to discuss another matter of utmost importance: unleashing the economic potential of women and ensuring their full participation in the economies of the Western Balkans. It is a topic that not only calls for our attention but demands our action, for the empowerment of women is the key to unlocking unprecedented economic growth and prosperity in our region.

We are witnessing a transformative era, where the traditional boundaries and limitations that once constrained women's economic participation are being shattered. Women across the Western Balkans are rising to the occasion and making their mark in diverse fields.

Yet, we cannot ignore the significant untapped potential that still exists.

Studies consistently show that increased gender equality and women's participation in the workforce directly correlate with higher economic growth rates.

What are some key challenges women face nowadays? [2]

1. Western Balkan countries have some of the lowest female labor force participation and employment rates in all of Europe. Labor force participation, in WB Economies is:

• Male: 60-70%
• Female: 19% Kosovo, 34% Bosnia&Hercegovina,42- 43% Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, 50% Albania

2. Women are less likely to be economically active, particularly at young ages. When they are, they experience higher rates of unemployment across the region

3. Women are less likely than men to be self-employed, firm owners, and firm managers

4. There’s a salary gap: Among those who work, women earn less than men with similar qualifications

Gender inequality in the labor market leads to untapped talent and potential that limits economic growth prospects. The constraints that women face result in misallocated talent, constrains the overall economy:

• GDP could be 20% higher on average, if women were to participate in the labor market at the same levels as men do for WB?
• 5 % of this GDP loss is due to?gap in participation of women as entrepreneurs

The loss due to gender gaps in labor force participation for the respective WB Economies is:

• Kosovo 28%
• Albania 20%
• Bosnia& Hercegovina, Serbia, Macedonia 16%
• Montenegro 13%

There are many reasons that keeps many women out of economic participation, like: attitude and social norms, labor regulations, access to productive inputs, including access to land, access to services: access to finance, child and elder care etc.

By providing equal opportunities, removing barriers, and fostering an inclusive environment, we can drive our economies to new heights.

To achieve this, we must address the structural and societal challenges that hinder women's economic empowerment. Access to quality education and skills training is paramount. We must ensure that girls and women have the necessary tools to succeed in the modern economy, be it in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or other sectors. By bridging the skills gap, we open doors to countless opportunities.

We must also focus on removing gender-based barriers and biases. Equal pay for equal work must be more than a slogan—it must be a reality. We need policies and practices that promote workplace diversity, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies. By creating an environment where women can balance their professional aspirations with their personal responsibilities, we foster their economic empowerment.?

Supporting women entrepreneurs is another critical aspect of unleashing economic potential. Access to financing, business networks, and mentorship opportunities can significantly contribute to their success. We must establish programs that provide tailored support for women-owned businesses, helping them scale up, access markets, and become drivers of economic growth.

The Western Balkans is a region of immense talent, and it is time to harness the full potential of our women. Let us amplify their voices, celebrate their achievements, and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve. By investing in women's empowerment, we invest in the future of our region.?

The path to unleashing the economic potential of women is not a solitary journey. It requires collaboration, commitment, and collective action. Governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals must join hands to create an ecosystem that fosters women's economic empowerment. This means engaging in policy reforms, investing in education and skills development, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting a culture of equality and inclusivity.

Beyond economic development, women are vital to fostering peace and stability. Their voices, perspectives, and experiences bring a unique and invaluable contribution to conflict resolution, peace-building, and the promotion of human rights. Women have proven time and again that they possess the empathy, compassion, and diplomacy needed to bridge divides and build inclusive societies. When women are involved in decision-making processes, peace negotiations, and governance, we see more sustainable and just outcomes.

On this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. Let us pledge to dismantle the barriers that hinder women's progress and to create a world where every woman can reach her full potential. Let us foster an environment that celebrates and values the unique contributions of women to our societies.

In closing, I want to express my deep appreciation for the remarkable women who enrich our lives and shape our future. May we continue to empower, uplift, and support one another on this journey towards a more inclusive, equal, and peaceful world.

Thank you, and let us celebrate the incredible women of the Western Balkans!

Part from my speech in the 2nd Regional Conference "No Peace without women", organised by Universal Peace Federation, Kosovo Government and Women's Federation for World Peace, held in Prishtina, June 13, 2023

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[1] https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/gender-quotas/country-view/207/35

[2] https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/862651521147002998-0080022018/original/PresentationPDF.pdf