Skopje, 4 April 2023 (MIA) - Support for greater inclusiveness of women entrepreneurs in finance, enrichment of corporate loan database with gender aspects, as well as increasing awareness of the importance of gender equality in granting loans was discussed during the meeting between National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska and Oksana Pak, Associate Director, Head of Access to Finance and Entrepreneurship Pillar within the Gender and Economic Inclusion Team of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with a team from the EBRD, as well as Andi Aranitasi, Head of North Macedonia at the EBRD.

During the meeting it was noted that women entrepreneurship plays a key role in creating jobs and driving economic growth. Reflecting this, ensuring access to finance for small and medium-sized companies is of utmost importance to the overall economy, the National Bank said in a press release.

It was agreed that the National Bank would be part of the implementation of the EBRD pilot project in the country that would include training for rising awareness of women entrepreneurs in lending. Moreover, the EBRD's support for greater representation of women in business, through the Women in Business program, includes variety of opportunities, from access to finance, to business advice, entrepreneurial skills courses, knowledge and access to resources for entrepreneurship development.

“Promoting financial inclusion and financial education as a basis for greater inclusion is a strategic goal of the National Bank. Gender equality, as an aspect of financial inclusion, is high on the agenda. Educating lenders and borrowers about the possibilities and obligations could contribute to improving access of women-entrepreneurs to finance in the country,” reads the press release.

According to the EBRD Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality 2021-2025, globally, out of a 100 early-stage entrepreneurs, only 37 are women, while 63 are men and only 55% of working age women are active in the labor force.

“Reversing the dynamics underlying these gaps will strengthen cohesion and support the well-functioning market economy, make economies more resilient, boost innovation and advance economic growth,” the National Bank said in a press release.

Photo: National Bank