The Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025 satellite event in Skopje brought together more than 100 women entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders and government representatives to promote women’s participation in the economy and support sustainable, women-led growth in North Macedonia.
Held on 13 November 2025, the event focused on strengthening women-led businesses across sectors including agriculture, food production, tourism, education, technology, beauty and fashion. It also aimed to create new pathways for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the country.
The event was organised by UN Women under the regional programme “EU4 Gender Equality: Women’s Economic Empowerment and Ending Violence against Women,” funded by the European Union. It was delivered in partnership with Abilitist, a civil society organisation supporting women’s entrepreneurship in North Macedonia, and the Association of Business Women.
Twelve women entrepreneurs from Skopje and other cities presented their businesses, ranging from eco-friendly cosmetics and agri-businesses to digital education platforms and technology start-ups. Each entrepreneur pitched to investors and received feedback during dedicated sessions.
Sanja Bachevski, founder of “Sanja’s Microgreens,” which specialises in microgreens production, highlighted the importance of belief and visibility. “One courageous decision can pave the way for many other women after her. When a woman steps forward with vision and passion, she becomes an example that it is possible to create a future on your own terms,” she said.
Natali Ristovska, founder of ethical purse brand “Yova Maison,” pointed to persistent gender stereotypes. She said a common prejudice she encounters is, “Don’t get carried away, you’re from a small country.” She added, “The real limitations come not from where we come from, but from the way we think. The opportunities are not small; only our view of them can be.”
Despite gradual progress, women remain underrepresented in business ownership. Data from the Regional Cooperation Council shows that women own around 29 per cent of active enterprises in North Macedonia, with most leading micro and small businesses.
Vesna Ivanovikj-Castarede, Head of Office of UN Women North Macedonia, stressed the link between women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development. “I see the future as an economy where women-led businesses are the norm, not the exception,” she said, calling for stronger connections between institutions, the private sector and investors.
Ben Nupnau, Deputy Head of Mission at the Delegation of the European Union to North Macedonia, reaffirmed EU support for inclusive growth. “Promoting women’s entrepreneurship is at the heart of the European Union’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.
The programme also included panel discussions and networking sessions focused on resilience, partnerships and long-term ecosystem development for women in business.
About the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO
Launched in 2021, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO is a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region. EXPO provides an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives for networking and collaboration, peer learning, ideas generation, capacity building and business development. EXPO 2025 is organized by UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Business Angels Network (EBAN) and Women in Tech Global.
