Pristina, May 18, 2026 – BKT Kosovo, in cooperation with the Kosovo Women's Chamber of Commerce (G7), organized a roundtable on the topic "Empowering women's entrepreneurship through professional networking and legal and financial support", focusing on the key role of women in the country's economic development.
At a time when women continue to face structural barriers in the labor market, statistics show that in Kosovo only about 20% of women participate in the labor force, one of the lowest levels in Europe and globally, reflecting a large untapped economic potential. International studies emphasize that closing the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship could increase global Gross Domestic Product by up to 20%, clearly demonstrating the direct impact of women's empowerment on economic growth. *(World Bank, World Economic Forum)
The focus of this activity was BKT Kosovo's role in the economic empowerment of women through concrete financial solutions and ongoing support. Ms. Jehona Oruqi, Deputy Head of the Credit Management Group at BKT Kosovo, presented the financing schemes for SMEs and women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the Bank's commitment to offering products that address the specific needs of this segment.
This event brought together important institutional and financial sector representatives, including Ms. Afërdita Saraçini Kelmendi, President of G7, Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, Ms. Jehona Oruqi, Deputy Head of the Credit Management Group at the National Commercial Bank, Mr. Artan Mehmeti, Head of the Secretariat of the National Council for Economy and Investment (KKEI), as well as representatives from financial and public institutions. Also part of the discussion were Ms. Yllka Emini, Tax Advisor at the Taxpayer Services Division of the Kosovo Tax Administration, and Ms. Lendita Kastrati, Director of G7. The event was also attended by around 50 women entrepreneurs from different sectors of the economy.
The roundtable was opened by Ms. Aferdita Saraçini Kelmendi, President of G7, who emphasized the importance of inter-institutional cooperation for advancing the role of women in the economy. Afterwards, Ms. Lendita Kastrati, Executive Director of G7, presented the organization's main achievements and its impact in supporting women entrepreneurs in Kosovo.
also
BKT Kosovo and the Kosovo Women's Chamber of Commerce – G7 organized the forum "Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Women in Business"
Through such initiatives and strategic collaborations, BKT Kosovo continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering women, seeing them as an essential pillar for the sustainable economic and social development of the country.
