Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders: Catalyzing Change with ‘Boosting Gender Diversity in the Boardroom’ Project in Kosovo
Kosovo is currently undergoing positive transformations, with a dedicated focus on empowering women in the professional sphere. Recognizing the potential for growth, private enterprises play a crucial role in fostering leadership skills and elevating the professional aspirations of women. While there may be challenges, proactive measures are being taken to create opportunities for women in the workforce, contributing also to the broader global effort to achieve gender equality.
In response to the evolving landscape and the desire to enhance gender diversity and inclusion within the private sector in Kosovo, the Kosovo CSR Network has initiated the "Boosting Gender Diversity in the Boardroom" project, financed by the German Government through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project's main objective is to promote gender equality and empower women to actively engage in decision-making processes in the private sector.
Impact
Since its launch in August 2023, the project has centered on providing training and capacity-building opportunities for women beneficiaries. Initially, the emphasis was on developing human resources capabilities, followed by a more comprehensive focus on leadership principles and practices.
Twenty-four female representatives of private enterprises in Kosovo were paired with field experts for three months of one-on-one mentoring, enhancing their professional development prospects. Upon mentoring completion, these women were provided a specialized Transformational Leadership Program, comprising eight intensive training days. The program's primary goal is to inspire these women to confidently seek leadership roles and believe in their professional capacity to bring meaningful change.
What lies ahead?
The project is set to conclude by the end of March, with the final round of Transformational Leadership Training. It is anticipated that this initiative will gradually challenge traditional business norms by positioning women at the forefront of decision-making processes and represents a significant step towards fostering greater gender diversity and inclusion within Kosovo's private sector.
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