“Women as leaders in society bring positive change despite the challenges they face, such as unequal pay, limited access to leadership positions, and systemic barriers. Yet, despite these challenges, we continue to rise, push boundaries, and claim our rightful place in a future that we are also shaping,” said Minister of Energy Sanja Bozhinovska at the Women Economic Forum – Balkans 2024.
The Minister pointed out that the numbers still show that women are underrepresented in key decision-making positions, roles of responsibility, and high competence, and their participation in the workforce lags behind the European average. In the Western Balkan countries, female labor force participation is among the lowest in Europe.
Bozhinovska also shared her personal journey in her professional career abroad, where she encountered barriers many others face—barriers of doubt, gender bias, and resistance to change.
“When I became Minister of Energy, I quickly realized that this sector—like many others—was one where women were underrepresented. But each of these challenges only strengthened my resolve. I knew that leadership is not about having a title, but about taking action. I learned that leadership is not about position, but about responsibility and results. As women, we must constantly push for change—not only for ourselves but for every woman who looks to us and believes in a better future. We will not wait for change to happen—we will challenge it, we will be the change,” the Minister emphasized.
At the Forum held in Skopje, successful and inspiring women from politics, business, and academia delivered powerful messages on the importance of women motivating and supporting one another. The event brought together 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and scholars from Portugal, India, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, and Western Balkan countries. The event is part of the global Women Economic Forum (WEF) franchise and the G100 Million global mission.
