Skopje, 2 October 2024 (MIA) – We must not be satisfied with what has been achieved so far in the sphere of gender equality, even though progress is evident. We are obliged to continue our commitments to equality and equal rights, not only de jure but also de facto, because women’s rights are human rights, and the degree of democracy is assessed through their implementation. It is crucial to eliminate barriers to women’s economic participation and leadership, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova said Wednesday, addressing the Women Economic Forum (WEF) – Balkans 2024.

“There is always a room for improvement. A fundamental challenge is to recognize and acknowledge the role of women in decision-making processes and in shaping society, to increase women's influence in various spheres, including business, politics, administration, academia, and civil society,” Siljanovska Davkova noted.

Siljanovska Davkova referred to current global developments, underscoring that women need to take on a reformist role.

“We live in a time of widespread crisis and uncertainty – security, environmental, health, economic, political, ethical and moral. We are witnessing major military hotspots with the potential to escalate into a nuclear threat, possibly even WWIII with destructive power. The most powerful continually warn of the catastrophic threats to world peace and security, but words fly away while bullets fly in all directions, hitting the innocent. Let me remind you, when the focus is on crisis management, less and less time is dedicated to growth, development, and progress. Fundamental human rights are fundamentally threatened. The divided and war-torn world has an existential need for responsible leadership, vision and a deep commitment to the defence of human rights. We are witnessing a crisis of leadership, enormous power, lack of ideas and militarization. Women need to take on a reformist role. They have the ability to rise above personal interests and profit to see the large human picture. I believe that it is precisely women leaders in the economy, with their energy, dedication, determination, skills and knowledge, who can redirect economic flows, placing a peaceful, feminine stamp on them and promoting and stimulating sustainable and fair economic policies and models,” she underlined.

According to Siljanovska Davkova, promoting innovation and enabling sustainable development is one of the most important priorities related to women’s leadership. Women leaders in the economy possess proven social responsibility, care for the community and the environment, and strive to achieve the Millennium Goals without exploitation and violations of workers' rights.

“Equally important is the green transition. Global platforms as G100 are welcomed for stimulating local and national changes regarding women’s leadership in politics, economics and namely in supporting women’s entrepreneurship, mentorship and education. The power of global networks in sharing knowledge, resources, and support systems for women is crucial in building the next generation of women leaders who will contribute to finally bridging the traditional boundaries in male-dominated sectors,” Siljanovska Davkova said.

Regarding the Forum, she assessed that the exchange of ideas, opinions, experiences, and initiatives for cooperation and joint projects will strengthen the position of women not only in the economy but more broadly.

“Regardless of whether you come from the business community, academia, administration, or non-governmental organizations, you are an example of expertise, dedication, creativity, and vision that transcends the boundaries of your professional activity. I have no doubt that today and tomorrow you will participate in interesting panels on pressing current issues or witness inspiring speeches and contentious and productive discussions. I believe that, in addition to the economic debates related to the agenda, the forum opens a wide door for networking and mutual connections. I expect the relevant international presence and activities to encourage and stimulate Macedonian female leaders to become even more active social actors in a range of fields,” Siljanovska Davkova said.

Women Economic Forum - Balkans 2024 is being held Oct. 2-3 in Skopje. A total of 270 leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and academics participate, aiming to enhance women's roles in modern society, particularly regarding economic empowerment, reducing gender disparities, and fostering female leadership.

During the forum, leaders from Portugal, India, Egypt, Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia will engage in panel discussions and debates, exchanging ideas and sharing effective practices to address shared challenges.

The forum is hosted in a different Balkan country every two years. It is organized by the Association of Women Managers ELIT, Skopje, and G100 Communication, Advocacy, and Mediation Wing for Macedonia, under the global franchise of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) and the G100  Million Mission.

Photo: MIA