Unlocking Potential: The Economic Cost of Women’s Non-Participation in Kosovo’s Labour Market

The Riinvest Institute presented its latest analysis on gender gaps in Kosovo’s labour market and their impact on the country’s economic development.
The document “Unlocking Potential: The Economic Cost of Women’s Untapped Potential” was developed with the support of UNFPA Kosovo and funding from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). 

The study, based on the international Gender Employment Gap Index (GEGI) methodology, estimates that closing the gender gap in employment would increase GDP per capita by up to 21.1%, while achieving parity in labour force participation would lead to a 5.9% rise.

The findings of the study were presented by Erisa Kallaba, researcher at the Riinvest Institute. Following the presentation, a panel discussion was held with representatives from public institutions, academia, and the private sector, including Saxhide Mustafa (Women’s Economic Forum), Edi Gusia (Agency for Gender Equality), Muhamet Klinaku (Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo), Blendi Hasaj (GAP Institute), Ardiana Gashi (University of Prishtina) and Merita Qerimi (Meridian/Spar).

The panellists shared valuable insights on the structural barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in the labour market and offered recommendations for inclusive policies that foster gender equality and economic growth. 

This activity was held within the framework of the project “Expanding Choices: Gender-Responsive Family Policies for the Private Sector in the Western Balkans - Phase 2 in Kosovo”, implemented by the Riinvest Institute- Women’s Economic Forum, with the support of UNFPA Kosovo and funding from ADA.

Watch the full event : Unlocking Potential: The Economic Cost of Women’s Non-Participation in Kosovo’s Labour Market