Access to the labour market for middle-aged women in Kosovo is challenging, with the unemployment rate among Kosovar women being alarming: 78% of qualified women in Kosovo are inactive in the labor market.
To analyze the barriers of accessing the labour market for women aged 40-65, including gender discrimination, lack of access to education and training opportunities, cultural norms, limited job opportunities, and balancing work with family responsibilities, the German-Kosovar Business Association, together with the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNF), published the Analysis “Challenges of Accessing the Labour Market – Middle-Aged Women in Kosovo”
In the presence of the Deputy Minister of Finance, Labour and Transfers, Agon Dobruna, Kosovo Assembly member, Besnik Tahiri, member companies, representatives of German foundations in Kosovo, local and international institutions, the findings and recommendations from this analysis were presented.
The publication, prepared by experts Dr. Saxhide Mustafa and Shqipe Gjocaj, has found that there is dual discrimination in Kosovo, based on gender and age. There are discriminatory policies for women aged 40+, favoring stereotypes for the younger population. The study also concluded and elaborated on the specific challenges and barriers faced by middle-aged women in the labor market.
It was also found that there are inclusive training initiatives and that businesses are aware of the loyalty, stability, and commitment that women over the age of 40 bring.
In addition to the presentation of the conclusions of the analysis, a discussion was held with the topic: “Socio-economic perspectives on the employment challenges faced by middle-aged women in Kosovo” with panelists: Agon Dobruna, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Labour, and Transfers, Nora Hasani, Executive Director of the German-Kosovar Business Association, and Iliriana Gashi, Organization “Women for Women.”
The Analysis has offered valuable recommendations for policymakers and decision-making institutions, as well as the steps that need to be taken to create an equal and inclusive environment in the labor market, serving as a starting point for discussions on the inclusion of middle-aged women in Kosovo.
To download the Analysis, please click on the following link: https://www.freiheit.org/de/node/44093
