From Arlinda’s tragedy to economic challenges, conference in Prishtina highlights women’s safety and empowerment  Women’s economic empowerment, access to finance, expanding businesses beyond domestic markets and regional cooperation were the main focus of the Regional Conference for Women Entrepreneurs and B2B Meetings – 4th Edition, “She Rises Regional 2026,” held in Prishtina.

The president of the Kosovo Women’s Economic Chamber, Afërdita Kelmendi, said that women’s empowerment should not be addressed solely through professional positions and business success, but must also include guarantees of their safety and dignity.

Referring to the tragedy of Arlinda Zekaj, she said society cannot claim to empower women if it fails to guarantee their fundamental right to live safely and freely.

“Arlinda’s tragedy reminds us that a society cannot claim to be empowering women if it cannot guarantee their most fundamental right to live safely, freely and with dignity.

However, women’s empowerment does not begin or end with holding a professional position in a successful business or a high-ranking public office.

The global economy is changing rapidly. Technology, artificial intelligence, the digital and green transitions, and market uncertainty are changing the way we work and compete.

Women entrepreneurs are part of this transformation, but they often face additional barriers: more difficult access to financing, fewer investment opportunities and lower representation in sectors with high economic value.

It is not enough to have more women starting businesses; we need more women growing their businesses, exporting and competing beyond domestic markets.

Taken individually, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro have relatively small markets, but together we create a much larger space of opportunities,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula said that when women have the opportunity to develop their businesses, society as a whole benefits through job creation, increased competitiveness and a stronger economy.

She stressed that despite progress, women continue to face difficulties accessing financing, markets and business networks.

Shiroka Pula said conditions must be created to enable women not only to start businesses but also to develop and expand them.

The Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Dirk Schuebel, praised the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the economic development of Western Balkan countries, stressing that regional cooperation can create new opportunities for women-led businesses.