G100 Balkans Meetings, Skopje, along with WEF Balkans, 2-3 October 2024
The Women Economic Forum (WEF) and G100 Meeting – Balkans 2024, held in Skopje, North Macedonia on October 2-3, 2024, brought together over 350 participants from the Western Balkans, Europe, and beyond. Co-organized by the Women Economic Forum (WEF), G100 Communication Advocacy and Mediation Wing for North Macedonia, and the Association of Women Managers ELIT, the event focused on empowering women in business, fostering leadership, and promoting collaboration among women leaders from various sectors.
The forum served as a dynamic platform for women to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for growth. Key discussions centered around breaking barriers, promoting gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors, and building sustainable, responsible leadership for the future.
During her address, North Macedonia’s President, Prof. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, highlighted that while progress in gender equality is undeniable, much remains to be done. She emphasized the importance of global networks in sharing knowledge, resources, and support systems for women, pointing out that true democracy is measured by how well women’s rights are respected and realized.
The forum addressed the urgent need to dismantle barriers to women’s economic participation and leadership. Discussions also focused on ensuring women’s rights go beyond legal frameworks to actual lived experiences and opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Throughout the event, participants reaffirmed the importance of empowering women in business to drive long-lasting, positive change. A major concern expressed was the tendency of crisis management to overshadow growth, development, and progress. In a divided world, the forum participants underscored the existential need for responsible leadership and thorough commitment to human rights.
Key recommendations for driving progress included:
• Enhancing Women’s Economic Participation: Creating policies and programs to support women’s entry into and advancement in the workforce, particularly in leadership roles.
• Promoting Gender Equality in STEM: Encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through scholarships, mentorship, and awareness campaigns.
• Sustainability in Business: Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting into business practices to ensure sustainable growth and corporate responsibility.
• Supporting Women’s Health: Investing in women’s health research and care to bridge the gender health gap, thereby boosting economic growth and quality of life.
• Networking and Collaboration: Fostering opportunities for women to network, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions.
High-Level Participants and Opening Session Highlights
The Women Economic Forum & G100 Meeting – Balkans 2024 was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia. The event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Ms. Sanja Bozinovska, Minister of Energy and Mining, as well as the Governors of the National Bank of North Macedonia and the National Bank of Montenegro. Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder of G100 and the Women Economic Forum, was also among the distinguished speakers. These high-level participants, along with other influential women leaders from government, business, and civil society, underscored the significance of the event.
The forum commenced with a Welcome Address by Her Excellency, Prof. Dr. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia, followed by a Keynote Speech by Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai on the topic of “Empowering Women in Business for Long-lasting Positive Change.” Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Lenka Ugrinovska, PhD Honors, Country Chair of North Macedonia, and Ms. Linda Pereira, Global Chair of G100.
The opening session set the tone for the event, emphasizing the critical role of women in economic participation and leadership, and laying the groundwork for the discussions and panel sessions that followed.
Panel Discussions
Panel 1: Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Shaping the Future of Women in Business
This panel focused on strategies for overcoming gender barriers in the business world. Highlights included:
• Personal Journeys: Panelists shared stories of resilience and triumph as they navigated obstacles to reach leadership positions.
• Mentorship Programs: The panel emphasized the role of mentorship in guiding and supporting women throughout their careers.
• Inclusive Policies: Discussions covered policies promoting gender equality, such as flexible working arrangements and equal pay initiatives.
• Networking and Community Support: Participants highlighted the importance of building strong support networks for women in business.
• Future Trends: The evolving business landscape, digital transformation, and sustainability were recognized as areas offering new leadership opportunities for women.
Panel 2: Women as Catalysts of Sustainable Development and Green Transition
This session explored the pivotal role of women in driving sustainable development and the transition to a green economy. Topics included:
• Empowering Women in Green Industries: Encouraging women to participate in sectors like renewable energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable business practices.
• Gender-Responsive Policies: Advocating for policies that promote women’s leadership in environmental decision-making.
• Education and Training: Providing women with the skills and education needed for green economy jobs.
• Community Engagement: Highlighting the role of women at the local level in leading sustainability projects.
• Role Models and Mentorship: Featuring successful women in green industries and offering mentorship opportunities.
Panel 3: Access to Finance and the Power of Networking
This panel addressed the critical need for access to finance and networking opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs. Key points included:
• Access to Finance: Emphasizing the importance of financial resources, such as loans, grants, and investments, for women to start and grow their businesses.
• Networking: Recognizing the power of networking to create business opportunities and foster collaboration.
• Mentorship: The panel discussed how mentorship can help women navigate business and finance challenges.
• Policy Recommendations: Proposed policies included government-backed funding programs and networking events to support women’s access to finance.
The forum concluded with a strong call for collective action to advance gender equality and sustainable development. Participants stressed the need for continued commitment to gender equality in both policy and practice. Promoting women’s active participation in the economy and leadership roles, supporting sustainability initiatives, and fostering collaboration among women leaders were all highlighted as key priorities for the future.
The Women Economic Forum & G100 Meeting – Balkans 2024 left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of women’s leadership in driving economic progress and sustainability for generations to come.