Skopje, 18 November 2021 (MIA) – Women enjoy the same rights as men, but they don’t have the same opportunities oftentimes. Any woman with enough knowledge and quality should be allowed to provide a better tomorrow, it was concluded at the first Women's Entrepreneurship Summit, taking place Thursday and Friday in Skopje. Relevant institutions pledge support so as to encourage and strengthen female entrepreneurs. The best female entrepreneurs were named this year for the first time, whereas figures show that companies owned or run by women increased profits and the number of staff. From 2018 until 2020, 51 companies selected to partake in the competition, increased the number of staff by 70.73% with profits rising by as high as 112.44%. Valentina Disoska, President of the National Platform for Women Entrepreneurship, said female entrepreneurs are very courageous when they have to stand for their rights and positions. She said her objective is women entrepreneurship to become the catalyst in creating economic growth and creating employability. Women running businesses and women in top positions are an advantage, said Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi noting that multilayered systemic support is necessary for the purpose. The government, he stressed, is implementing a series of measures and activities to eliminate all gender stereotypes. According to Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi, the fact that companies owned or run by women have increased profits and the number of employees amid the pandemic proves that there are powerful and successful women. He announced that the establishment of a women entrepreneurship fund is being considered. Speaking at the event, the new Skopje Mayor, Danela Arsovska, a businesswoman herself, announced to set up and women’s entrepreneurship council in the first 82 days in office, intended to bring together all relevant sides. Modern and prosperous societies have no place for inequality between men and women, said Julian Vassallo, Deputy Head of EU Delegation to North Macedonia, adding that gender equality is one of the most fundamental human rights.