CARE International Balkans

03/06/2026

Our EWI team started June by gathering in Zlatibor with a shared goal: creating better opportunities, economic justice, and stronger support for women across the Western Balkans!

Reaching the halfway point of our three-year journey, we dedicated the first two days of our mid-term review to an analysis of everything achieved so far and to planning new steps toward the economic empowerment of women.

During these three days, our focus was on maximising the impact of our work on the ground. We analysed the implemented activities, refreshed our approach and logical framework, and mapped ongoing challenges.

As part of , CARE and local partners ENECA, LINK Poduzetnički centar, Strategic Development Consulting and Inovaciono preduzetnički centar Tehnopolis support women entrepreneurs in four countries of the Western Balkans to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.

We are carefully taking every step to ensure that the support for women's economic independence remains long-term, stable, and direct, because their progress always comes first! 📈💪

With the first two and a half days successfully completed, our gathering on Zlatibor is gaining new energy – today, we are joined by representatives of local grassroots organisations. Okular, Centar za aktivizam, Društvo za razvoj kreativnosti Aleksinac, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar, Poljoprivredni Klaster SH, Udruzenje žena "Most" Jablanica, ЛАГ Агро Лидер, Хуманитарно Здружение Мајка - Куманово, Ženska Alijansa za Razvoj i Centar za omladinsku edukaciju.

🗣️✨ Stay tuned for more updates!

Austrian Development Agency CARE Österreich

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Naš EWI tim je započeo jun okupljanjem na Zlatiboru sa jednim zajedničkim ciljem: stvaranjem boljih mogućnosti, ekonomske pravde i jače podrške ženama širom Zapadnog Balkana!

Stigavši do sredine našeg trogodišnjeg putovanja, prva dva i po dana našeg sastanka za srednjoročni pregled posvetili smo dubinskoj analizi svega što je do sada postignuto i planiranju novih koraka ka ekonomskom osnaživanju žena.
U okviru programa , CARE i lokalni partner pružaju podršku ženama preduzetnicama u četiri zemlje Zapadnog Balkana.

Tokom ova tri dana, naš fokus je bio na maksimiziranju uticaja našeg rada na terenu. Analizirali smo sprovedene aktivnosti, osvežili naš pristup i logički okvir i mapirali tekuće izazove.

Pažljivo preduzimamo svaki korak kako bismo osigurali da podrška ekonomskoj nezavisnosti žena ostane dugoročna, stabilna i direktna, jer je njihov napredak uvek na prvom mestu! 📈💪

Nakon što su prva dva i po dana uspešno završena, naše okupljanje na Zlatiboru dobija novu energiju – danas nam se pridružuju predstavnici lokalnih organizacija na terenu. Okular Centar za aktivizam, Društvo za razvoj kreativnosti Aleksinac, Agencija lokalne demokratije Mostar, Poljoprivredni Klaster SH, Udruzenje žena "Most" Jablanica, ЛАГ Агро Лидер, Хуманитарно Здружение Мајка - Куманово, Ženska Alijansa za Razvoj i Centar za omladinsku edukaciju.

🗣️✨ Uskoro nove vesti sa EWI projekta!

Austrian Development Agency CARE Österreich

02/06/2026

“Be a man.”
Three words that generations of boys have grown up hearing.
But what if we changed what they mean?

At this year’s SBCC Summit our Gender Advisor Sara Dereta will share a story from the Balkans about masculinity, social norms, and what happens when boys are invited into conversations about gender equality—not as obstacles to change, but as part of it.

The session, Flipping the Script: How Boys Became Allies for Equity and Change, explores a simple idea with radical implications:

If masculinities are socially constructed, they can be transformed.

We’re looking forward to bringing lessons from the CARE Balkans and Young Men Initiative to a global conversation on connection, equity, and social change.

29/05/2026

♻️ 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞!

Through the “Youth-Led Actions on Environmental Protection” initiative, supported within the Green Horizons project, more than 200 young leaders from 10 high schools across Kosovo transformed their ideas into concrete environmental actions in their communities.

A total of 7,000€ was allocated to support initiatives focused on:
🌿 environmental awareness
🏫 greener school spaces
💡 energy efficiency
🌬️ air quality monitoring
🤝 community engagement

From eco-corners and green schoolyards to smart air quality systems and LED lighting solutions, young people demonstrated strong commitment, creativity, and leadership toward building a more sustainable future.

Implemented by EC Ma Ndryshe and Syri i Vizionit, these youth-led initiatives show the important role young people play in advancing climate action and community development in Kosovo.

The Green Horizons – Youth and community led green transition initiative in Western Kosovo project is co-funded by the European Union in Kosovo. 🇪🇺

Read more: https://care-balkan.org/2026/05/29/green-horizons-project-supported-10-youth-led-actions-for-a-greener-environment/

28/05/2026

📚 Në kuadër të projektit , CARE realizoi katër vizita studimore me nxënës të shkollave të mesme nga komunat e Podujevës dhe Obiliqit, me synim promovimin e agrobiznesit, fuqizimin ekonomik të grave dhe orientimin e të rinjve drejt mundësive të qëndrueshme për zhvillim profesional dhe sipërmarrje.

Përmes këtyre vizitave, nxënësit patën mundësinë të njihen nga afër me funksionimin e agrobizneseve vendore, rëndësinë e inovacionit dhe përkushtimit në këtë sektor, si dhe me rolin kyç që gratë luajnë në zhvillimin ekonomik dhe rural.

🌾 Gjatë vizitave në bizneset Natural Berry, Sofra e Sveqles, Tradita Jonë dhe 99 Lule, të rinjtë u njohën me proceset e prodhimit, zhvillimin e produkteve, sfidat dhe sukseset e bizneseve, si dhe me rrugëtimin inspirues të sipërmarrësve që çdo ditë kontribuojnë në ofrimin e produkteve cilësore në treg.

💡Këto vizita shërbyen jo vetëm si një përvojë praktike dhe edukative për nxënësit, por edhe si një mundësi për të frymëzuar gjeneratat e reja që ta shohin agrobiznesin dhe sipërmarrjen si sektorë me potencial të madh për zhvillim, inovacion dhe sukses afatgjatë.

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📚 Within the framework of the AKWA project, CARE organized four study visits with high school students from the municipalities of Podujeva and Obiliq, aiming to promote agribusiness, strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and guide young people toward sustainable opportunities for professional development and entrepreneurship.

Through these visits, students had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the functioning of local agribusinesses, the importance of innovation and dedication in this sector, as well as the key role women play in economic and rural development.

🌾 During the visits to the businesses Natural Berry, Sofra e Sveqles, Tradita Jonë, and 99 Lule, the students learned about production processes, product development, business challenges and successes, as well as the inspiring journeys of entrepreneurs who contribute every day to delivering high-quality products to the market.

💡These visits served not only as a practical and educational experience for the students, but also as an opportunity to inspire younger generations to view agribusiness and entrepreneurship as sectors with strong potential for development, innovation, and long-term success.

This activity was implemented within the project “Advancing Kosovo Women’s Agribusiness Inclusion (AKWA)”, funded by the State Government of Vorarlberg and implemented by CARE Balkans.

21/05/2026

From a home-based pizza workshop to exporting across 16 international markets, Maestro Foods’s journey shows how vision, discipline, and the right systems can drive sustainable growth. 🌍

With support from the , the company introduced digital solutions for order management, delivery tracking, and food safety monitoring, helping streamline operations, improve quality assurance, and strengthen reliability in export markets.

Today, Maestro continues to grow with a clear focus on efficiency, quality, and long-term expansion, while also creating inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for women in manufacturing.

The Digital Empowerment Initiative (DEI) is co-financed by the Ministria e Industrisë, Ndërmarrësisë, Tregtisë dhe Inovacionit (MIETI) through Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency - KIESA, in collaboration with the project. EnInGeP is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and is jointly implemented by and ECIKS.

Austrian Development Agency

When four brothers return home from abroad with a clear vision, the result is rarely accidental. For the founders of Maestro, their time in Sweden shaped a strong work mindset, one built on structure, discipline, and high standards. Bringing that approach back to Kosovo, they set out to build a busi...

16/05/2026

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 🧡

Within the regional project “Economic Inclusion and Justice for Women of the Western Balkans” (EWI), a series of regional panel discussions was held in North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing together women entrepreneurs, institutions, and organizations from the public, private, and civil sectors.

The project is implemented by Balkans, with the support of the Austrian Development Agency through the International Partnerships Austria programme, in partnership with LINK Poduzetnički centar, ENECA, Strategic Development Consulting, and Inovaciono preduzetnički centar Tehnopolis.

💡 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧

🇲🇰 North Macedonia
The discussion “Women at Work: From Barriers to Breakthroughs” highlighted structural challenges such as low female economic activity, income gaps, and limited support systems like childcare. At the same time, women are founding nearly half of new businesses, underscoring the need for early entrepreneurial education.

🇷🇸 Serbia
The “360-degree support” model demonstrated the strength of coordinated institutions - from mentoring programmes and B2B networking to local grants and increased SME funding. In some areas, women account for up to 78% of self-employment applicants, showing strong entrepreneurial potential.

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
The focus was on local development and social entrepreneurship. Institutional fragmentation remains a challenge, while social enterprises play a crucial role in filling gaps not covered by the public sector.

🇲🇪 Montenegro
In Nikšić, emphasis was placed on multisectoral cooperation - grant schemes, financial support, education, and digital skills - as key foundations for sustainable women’s entrepreneurship.

🤝 Across all discussions, one clear message emerged:
𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

These events strengthen institutional and private-sector capacities to develop gender-responsive employment and entrepreneurship policies, while building a more sustainable support system for women across the Western Balkans.

💜 When institutions, communities, and women connect – real change becomes possible.

Read more: https://care-balkan.org/2026/05/16/empowering-women-through-regional-dialogue-and-institutional-support/

CARE Österreich

15/05/2026

Është përmbyllur procesi i përzgjedhjes së përfitueseve të grantit në kuadër të projektit AKWA – Avancimi i Përfshirjes së Grave të Kosovës në Agrobiznes.

Lista e përfitueseve të përzgjedhura nga komunat Podujevë dhe Obiliq është publikuar në faqen tonë të internetit. Përfitueset e përzgjedhura do të kontaktohen individualisht lidhur me hapat vijues.

🔗 Lexo më shumë: https://care-balkan.org/2026/05/15/list-of-grant-beneficiaries-for-business-development-from-the-municipalities-of-podujeve-and-obiliq/

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The selection process of grant beneficiaries under the AKWA Project – Advancing Kosovo Women’s Agrobusiness Inclusion has been completed.

The list of selected beneficiaries from the municipalities of Podujevë and Obiliq is now available on our website. Selected beneficiaries will be contacted individually regarding the next steps.

🔗 Read more: https://care-balkan.org/2026/05/15/list-of-grant-beneficiaries-for-business-development-from-the-municipalities-of-podujeve-and-obiliq/

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Završen je proces odabira korisnica grantova u okviru projekta AKWA – Unapređenje uključivanja žena Kosova u agrobiznis.

Spisak odabranih korisnica iz opština Podujevo i Obilić dostupan je na našoj web stranici. Odabrane korisnice će biti kontaktirane pojedinačno u vezi sa narednim koracima.

🔗 Pročitaj više: https://care-balkan.org/2026/05/15/list-of-grant-beneficiaries-for-business-development-from-the-municipalities-of-podujeve-and-obiliq/

The selection process of grant beneficiaries under the AKWA Project – Advancing Kosovo Women’s Agrobusiness Inclusion, financially supported by the Government of the State of Vorarlberg, Austria, and co-financed and implemented by CARE, has been completed. Following the evaluation of business pl...

13/05/2026

🇷🇸 Southern and Eastern Serbia are, by most measures, the parts of the country that development tends to pass by. Unemployment is higher here, opportunities are fewer, and for women in particular, the distance between an idea and a functioning business can feel impossible to cross.

This is what we as CARE, together with ENECA, are changing with our "EWI - Economic Inclusion and Justice of Women of the Western Balkans" project.

From Leskovac and Vranje to Pirot, Kruševac and finally Niš – we travelled across five districts and sat down with women who had done something genuinely difficult and impressive: they had written a business plan, submitted it, competed for a spot, and made it through! 🙌

Out of 265 applications for business training received across the EWI project for Serbia, 130 business plans were formally assessed, and these 66 women are among those who stood out.

What they are building is as varied as the region itself.
In , women are going into waffle production and jewelry making.
In , preserved mushrooms, carpets, and bakery products.
In , a city with one of the most recognizable craft traditions in the Balkans, one of the grants goes directly to a business rooted in that heritage: handmade souvenirs and gift sets carrying Pirot's centuries-old motifs into new markets. ✨
In , rose nurseries, wine, honey, and pastries.

And in , the largest signing event of the round brought together women working across tailoring, traditional filo dough production, stonecutting, cosmetics, tapestry, clothing, and jewelry: an entire cross-section of what women-led enterprise looks like when it's actually supported.

33 of the 66 are growing businesses; 33 are launching something new. Each of them will receive financial support, technical mentoring tailored to the specifics of their business, and connections to local market actors and value chains.
Equipment is already being delivered, and our working together formally began: we cannot be more proud! 💪

As part of , CARE and local partner ENECA support women entrepreneurs in southern and eastern Serbia to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.
💛 Funded by Austrian Development Agency



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🇷🇸 Južna i istočna Srbija su, po većini pokazatelja, delovi zemlje koje razvoj najčešće zaobilazi. Nezaposlenost je ovde viša, prilike su ređe, a za žene posebno - rastojanje između ideje i funkcionalnog biznisa može delovati nepremostivo.
To je ono što mi kao CARE, zajedno sa ENECA, menjamo kroz naš projekat "EWI - Ekonomska inkluzija i pravda za žene Zapadnog Balkana".

Od Leskovca i Vranja, do Pirota, Kruševca i konačno Niša, prošli smo kroz pet okruga i seli sa 66 žena koje su uradile nešto što je zaista teško i impresivno: napisale su poslovni plan, predale ga, ušle u konkurenciju i izdržale! 🙌

Ono što grade jednako je raznovrsno kao i sam region.
U , žene se bave proizvodnjom vafli i izradom nakita.
U / konzervisane pečurke, ćilimi i pekarski proizvodi.
U , gradu s jednom od najprepoznatljivijih zanatskih tradicija na Balkanu, jedan od grantova ide direktno biznisu ukorenjenom u to nasleđe: ručno rađeni suveniri i poklon setovi koji pirotske motive stare vekovima nose ka novim tržištima. ✨
U / rasadnik ruža, vino, med i kolači.

A u , najveći potpisni događaj ovog kruga okupio je žene koje rade u krojačkom zanatu, proizvodnji sukanih kora, kamenorezarstvu, kozmetici, tapiserijama, izradi odeće i nakita / čitav presek onoga kako izgleda žensko preduzetništvo kada ga neko zaista podrži.

33 od 66 razvijaju postojeće biznise, 33 pokreću nešto novo. Svaka od njih će dobiti finansijsku podršku, tehničku pomoć prilagođenu specifičnostima njenog biznisa i pristup lokalnim tržišnim akterima i lancima vrednosti.

Oprema već stiže i naša formalna saradnja je počela i ne možemo biti ponosniji! 💪

U okviru programa , CARE i lokalni partner ENECA pružaju podršku ženama preduzetnicama u južnoj i istočnoj Srbiji u izgradnji održivih biznisa i jačanju ekonomske samostalnosti.

💛 Finansira Austrijska agencija za razvoj

08/05/2026

📢 U okviru EWI projekta objavljene su ažurirane liste korisnica malih i velikih grantova nakon odustajanja pojedinih kandidatkinja i dodatne evaluacije rezervne liste od strane Komisije za evaluaciju.

Novoizabrane korisnice grantova biće kontaktirane nakon završetka žalbenog postupka i potpisivanja ugovora.

🗓️ Rok za žalbe je 5 dana od dana objave obavještenja.

Detalji u vijesti ispod. ⬇️

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📢 Updated lists of small and large grant beneficiaries within the EWI project have been published following the withdrawal of several candidates and an additional evaluation of the reserve list conducted by the Evaluation Committee.

The newly selected grant beneficiaries will be contacted after the complaint procedure is completed and contracts are signed.

🗓️ The complaint submission deadline is 5 days from the publication date of the notice.

More details in the news article below. ⬇️



Austrian Development Agency ENECA LINK Poduzetnički centar Strategic Development Consulting Inovaciono preduzetnički centar Tehnopolis CARE Österreich

Within the framework of the EWI – Economic Inclusion and Justice for Women of the Western Balkans project, which aims to support the development of women’s entrepreneurship through financial and technical assistance, we hereby inform the public about changes in the grant award process. Following...

07/05/2026

In April, grant agreements were signed in 🇲🇰 Skopje with women entrepreneurs and social enterprises selected for support through the Economic Inclusion and Justice for Women of the Western Balkans project!

Out of 59 submitted business plans, 30 women were selected: 15 starting new businesses and 15 growing existing ones. Each of them will receive financial support, mentoring, and tailored technical assistance.

As part of this round, two social enterprises also signed agreements — the Association of Persons with Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities from Veles and the Foundation for Local Community Development from Štip, both contributing directly to women's economic empowerment in their communities.

This is just the beginning! Equipment is on its way, and we can't wait to share the stories that follow. 💪

As part of , CARE and partners support women entrepreneurs in North Macedonia to strengthen their economic independence and inclusion.
🤝 Implemented by: in partnership with Strategic Development Consulting – SDC
💛 Funded by:


U Skoplju su u aprilu potpisani ugovori sa ženama preduzetnicama odabranim za podršku kroz projekat EWI – Ekonomsko uključivanje i pravda za žene Zapadnog Balkana! 🖊️🌱
Od 59 pristiglih poslovnih planova, odabrano je 30 žena: 15 koje pokreću novi biznis i 15 koje unapređuju postojeće poslovanje. Svaka od njih dobija finansijsku podršku, mentoring i tehničku pomoć prilagođenu njenom biznisu.

Pored individualnih grantistkinja, ugovore su potpisala i dva socijalna preduzeća - Udruženje lica sa cerebralnom paralizom i drugim teškoćama iz Velesa i Fondacija za razvoj lokalne zajednice iz Štipa, čiji rad direktno doprinosi ekonomskom osnaživanju žena u lokalnim zajednicama.

Ovo je tek početak! Oprema stiže, podrška traje, a priče koje će iz toga nastati — jedva čekamo da ih podelimo. 💪

U okviru programa Međunarodna partnerstva Austrije, CARE i partneri pružaju podršku ženama preduzetnicama u Severnoj Makedoniji u cilju unapređenja njihovog ekonomskog položaja i samostalnosti.

🤝 Implementacija: u partnerstvu sa Consulting za strateški razvoj – SDC
💛 Finansira: