Forty eight women from 22 municipalities from the South East and South West of Serbia will start their own businesses with the support from the European Union, the Swiss Government and the Government of Serbia who provided, through the European PROGRES programme, EUR 368,000 for the implementation of activities contributing to economic empowerment of women.
The new women entrepreneurs involved, among other activities, in dentistry, manufacturing of clothes, jewellery, tailoring, processing and preserving fruits and vegetables, received the equipment in order to start their businesses. Furthermore, through the activities organized by the European PROGRES they also mastered the knowledge of marketing, sales, taxes and legal aspects of doing business.
„Employment of women and their introduction to the labour market is one of the priorities for the Government of the Republic of Serbia and that is why we are active partners in the activities funded by the European Union and the Swiss Government through the European PROGRES programme that aim to improve the social and economic position of women and gender equality“, said the Minister in charge of European integrations, Jadranka Joksimović, at the certificate award ceremony for the new women entrepreneurs.
Ms Joksimović said that the Government of the Republic of Serbia declared the year 2016 “The Year of Entrepreneurship” with special focus on women entrepreneurship thus confirming its commitment to support both men and women entrepreneurs and the development of entrepreneurial spirit as the pillars of competitive and dynamic economy. “It is a great pleasure to have the opportunity today to see the new women entrepreneurs, since that represents the impetus for the development of women entrepreneurship and creation of new jobs. And today creating a new job is considered a great success and it is high time for successful women”, concluded Ms Joksimović.
While congratulating the new women entrepreneurs, the Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, Jean-Daniel Ruch said that the Government of Switzerland and the European Union together with the Government of Serbia had been supporting the establishment of the institutional and legal framework for gender equality for over a decade.
“This way we promote women entrepreneurship but gender equality as well. You represent the right role model for other women that would like to become independent and start their own businesses and the European PROGRES is there to support you”, said Ambassador Ruch.
With the support by the European Union and the Swiss Government, Gender Equality Councils are established in all 34 municipalities covered by the European PROGRES programme, and 32 municipalities have signed the European Charter of Equality for Men and Women in Local Life.
European PROGRES will provide mentorship and professional assistance in running the business to the future entrepreneurs in order to ensure their sustainable operation. It is to be expected that at least 80 new jobs will be created in the municipalities within the Programme by the end of 2017.
“When 48 women are on the path of starting their own business with chances of creating more jobs it immediately means better life for their families and it has a positive impact on the local economy and better living standards of citizens. Most importantly, you are giving a great example to the generations to come”, said Mr Graeme Tyndall, Manager of the European PROGRES Programme.
