Minister of Regional Development Fikrim Damka together with Ms. Ulrike Richardson - United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo participated today in the debate “Entrepreneurship, a real opportunity for all women and girls in Kosovo” organized by the NGO Forum for Leadership and Diplomacy led by Ms. Njomza Emini - Executive Director, where this event was held at the UNDP premises.

The event was attended by young women and girls who were part of the Academy of Entrepreneurship, Deputy Secretary General of MRD, other officials and the media. The event was opened by Ms. Njomza Emini with a discussion on the role of women and girls and the importance of the project that is supported by MRD. The Minister of Regional Development in this case stressed that MRD with programs that support civil society has supported the NGO - Forum for Leadership and Diplomacy with a very promising project for women and girls in Kosovo that aims to prepare staff for business development in Kosovo. This project “Academy of Entrepreneurship” does not end there because MRD programs are interconnected which means that after capacity building, creative ideas to do business through startup programs as well as through existing business programs are an opportunity to do business, generate new jobs and be independent through self-employment while developing their business.

Ms. Ulrike Richardson had the opportunity to take the floor and be part of discussion where she stressed the importance of the inclusion of women and girls, which is best evidenced in the COVID-19 pandemic where the main burden has fallen on women taking care of the family. Also, Ms. Richardson asked the institutions to create more space for the involvement of women and girls both in the field of entrepreneurship and in taking responsibilities and decision-making.

This debate was moderated by Ms. Adelina Emini. The debate contained questions and discussions where the panellists discussed and answered the questions posed.