By: Nela Nadj

As the month in which we celebrate International Women’s Day, March 8, approaches, we have conducted a brief analysis of the position of women entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans, and prepared a special gift.

The position of women in business in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the countries of the Balkans has shown progress in recent years, but it still reveals deep structural inequalities. Women are educated, competent, and increasingly present in entrepreneurship; however, their participation in the highest management positions remains significantly lower compared to men.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, women make up approximately half of the working-age population, yet their share in the management structures of large companies ranges between 15 and 25 percent. In executive director positions, this percentage is even lower. A similar situation is present across the region. Although women often represent the majority at faculties of economics, law, and management, this educational capital is not proportionally reflected at the top of the business hierarchy.

It is important to emphasize that women are highly active in small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in the service sector, trade, education, and creative industries. However, when it comes to large corporations, investment funds, the banking sector, or industrial production, male dominance remains pronounced.

The reasons for this situation are multifaceted. First and foremost, social norms still impose primary responsibility for family and household duties on women. Balancing professional and private life is often significantly more demanding for women than for men. The lack of systemic support, such as accessible childcare, flexible working hours, and adequate support during maternity leave, further complicates their professional development.

Another issue is limited access to capital and investments. Research shows that women entrepreneurs face greater challenges in securing financing, especially for larger investment projects. Investors still tend to place more trust in men, which is the result of long-standing stereotypes as well as the lack of visible female role models in the business world.

Additionally, professional networks and mentoring programs, which are crucial for career advancement, are often less accessible to women. Informal business circles and decision-making behind closed doors remain a reality in many companies across the region.

How can this be improved? The first step is institutional support for women’s entrepreneurship through favorable credit lines, grants, and tax incentives. The second step is the active promotion of women into management structures through clear internal company policies. The third, equally important element, is changing social perceptions — affirming successful women as leaders, investors, and decision-makers.

Companies with a higher number of women on their boards and in management positions often demonstrate more stable business results, a better organizational culture, and greater resilience in times of crisis. Diversity in decision-making brings a broader perspective and long-term business sustainability.

Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans possess enormous potential in educated, ambitious, and creative women. It is necessary to create a system in which their professional development does not depend on personal struggle against obstacles, but on real and equal opportunities.

In this spirit, StandardPrva aims to make a concrete contribution to the development of women’s entrepreneurship. In March, StandardPrva is organizing a special initiative that will enable women entrepreneurs to establish a company free of charge, along with a complimentary first month of accounting services. We believe that every new company founded by a woman is an investment in a more stable, modern, and just economy for our society. Contact us!

zene.preduzetnici@advokati-stevanovic.com

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"Standard Prva" LLC Bijeljina is a company registered in Bijeljina at the District Commercial Court in Bijeljina. Company’s activities are accountancy, repurchases of receivables, angel investing and other related services. Distressed debt is a part of the Group within which the company repurchases the receivables, which function and are not returned regularly.

Lawyer’s Office Stevanović is the leading lawyer’s office in the region with the seat in Bijeljina. The LO abbreviation represents Lawyer’s Office of Vesna Stevanović and Lawyer’s Office of Miloš Stevanović.

Contact for media press@advokati-stevanovic.com or via telephone 00 387 55 230 000 or 00387 55 22 4444.