The central argument, repeated throughout the day’s sessions, was that women’s full and meaningful participation is not merely a matter of ‘equality’ but a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development and effective governance. Statistics cited frequently underscored the significant economic disparities – women representing only approximately half the workforce in the Western Balkans, and contributing a disproportionately small share to business ownership. This economic exclusion, the speakers argued, actively undermines regional growth, estimated to be diminished by as much as 20% due to the lack of women’s labor force participation.
The focus on security was particularly pointed. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women – including sexual violence, displacement, and lasting psychological trauma – the forum stressed the need to integrate “Women, Peace, and Security” ( WPS) principles more comprehensively into existing security strategies. This extends beyond simply acknowledging the issue; it necessitates concrete actions like improved training for law enforcement, dedicated programs for survivors of violence, and the inclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts. The reference to the ongoing struggles against online abuse and non-consensual intimate image sharing demonstrated the evolving nature of this challenge, highlighting the need for technology-based solutions – exemplified by initiatives like STOP NCII.org – to effectively combat these threats.
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the “brain drain” – the exodus of skilled and educated young women from the Western Balkans seeking opportunities elsewhere. Speakers acknowledged that this represents not only a loss of human capital but also a missed opportunity to leverage the entrepreneurial potential of these individuals. The referenced World Bank’s Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, modeled on a similar UK initiative, aimed to address this by providing women entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and market linkages. The statistic – that women-led businesses deliver 35% higher returns than male businesses despite receiving only 2% of venture capital funding – provides a powerful argument for increased investment in this underserved sector.
However, the forum also revealed complexities. While commitment to WPS principles and economic empowerment is evident, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Resistance to these changes, according to the Special Envoy, is “organized, coordinated, and professional,” necessitating a similarly strategic and collaborative response. The emergence of a “regional network” of women diplomats and activists, designed to amplify these voices and accelerate progress, represents a crucial step in this direction. Despite 40+ years of advocacy, the number of women in parliament remains proportionally small in the region, underlining the persistent structural barriers to achieving genuine equality.
The ongoing debate about the division of labor within households, with women still carrying the vast majority of care responsibilities, was another recurring theme. The UK’s own experience in this area – with women still significantly involved in caregiving – highlighted the need for systemic change. The reference to the Transform Care Initiative, challenging the unequal share between men and women of care, further demonstrated a recognition of this deeply embedded inequality.
Ultimately, the Berlin Process forum served as a critical assessment of progress, identifying the need for increased ambition, strategic collaboration, and sustained commitment. The challenge now lies in translating these discussions into concrete actions – securing funding, fostering partnerships, and challenging entrenched biases. The success of this endeavor hinges on the collective resolve of stakeholders to prioritize women’s security and economic empowerment, not simply as a matter of principle, but as a fundamental imperative for a more stable, prosperous, and just future for the Western Balkans and beyond.