Strengthening women’s economic empowerment

Today, her business produces traditional products such as pickles, ajvar and jams, while also creating employment opportunities for women and strengthening ties with local farmers.

Her story reflects a broader effort to expand economic opportunities for women and support their role in community life.

“Women supporting women creates strength in our communities,” Valbona says. “When we succeed together, we create opportunities for others as well.”

Through support provided under the Economic Resilience Programme, implemented in partnership with municipalities and local business ecosystems, Valbona’s enterprise strengthened its internal organization, improved business management practices and expanded market opportunities.

The programme focuses on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular attention to women-led businesses and enterprises from non-majority communities. By supporting local entrepreneurship and job creation, it contributes to building more inclusive and resilient local economies.

Across Kosovo, these efforts are reinforced by wider initiatives supporting gender equality and women’s rights. Young women and men have gained knowledge and advocacy skills through programmes addressing gender equality, prevention of gender-based violence, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health. Civil society initiatives have also expanded services for women and encouraged dialogue on gender equality and women’s rights, while national campaigns have promoted digital safety, bodily autonomy and informed decision-making.

Together, these efforts are helping women and girls claim their rights, participate more fully in economic life and contribute to inclusive development in Kosovo.

By supporting women entrepreneurs such as Valbona, the Economic Resilience Programme shows how expanding economic opportunities can strengthen both communities and local economies, while advancing progress toward SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth.

Supported by Luxembourg, the European Union, Switzerland and Kosovo institutions, and implemented in cooperation with municipalities and local business ecosystems, the programme is helping women-led and youth-led enterprises strengthen their competitiveness and expand market opportunities.

This updated story is based on the original developed by Mimoza Kqiku -LINK Photos: Xhemail Sllovinja, Enis Mustafa, GRASEP