“The economic empowerment of women makes our society stronger; it is an investment in the future and a guarantee for our country’s prosperity. The empowerment of women brings changes in society and we must bring down all barriers and enable our women to work for the economic development of our country,” Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga said in today’s conference “Women and Business” in Pristina.

“Women in Kosovo have played a very important role not only in their families but also in building and consolidating our statehood, in strengthening our institutions and the development of democracy, by being direct participants in all processes. For decades, women in Kosovo have proved their commitment to bring positive changes in society, genuine democratic values and to break stereotypes for women and their values. Despite their involvement in the most important processes for our country, women are still faced with gender barriers and have yet to become fully equal members of society. Efforts for the economic empowerment of women are aimed at showing the level of democracy in our society and above all to spearhead the country toward a faster economic development,” Jahjaga said.

Jahjaga also thanked the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for providing special assistance on the matter. “I would like to highlight the contribution of USAID director Maureen Shauket, who has been a close associate and partner for the development of democracy and strengthening of Kosovo’s institutions,” Jahjaga said.

USAID director in Pristina, Maureen Shauket, during her presentation encouraged women to take up leading positions in society.