The Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC) and Women on Boards Adria (WOBA) are set to collaborate on enhancing the inclusion of women on corporate boards and improving governance practices in Kosovo.

KCC President Lulzim Rafuna held a meeting with Tanja Mihajlovska Dimitrievska, the Regional Ambassador and WOBA Leader, as well as Katerina Boshevska, Managing Director of EOS in North Macedonia and Kosovo, who is also a WOBA Ambassador.

According to KCC's announcement, the meeting focused on WOBA's activities in Kosovo, cooperation with businesses and institutions, and the integration of Kosovar professionals into this regional network.

“This initiative goes beyond mere awareness; it involves tangible efforts in corporate governance. We are committed to preparing candidates, professionalizing the selection process, and creating opportunities for qualified women. The KCC aims for businesses in Kosovo to engage in this transformation and contribute to this reform,” stated Rafuna.

Kosovo already has a legal framework for gender representation on boards of directors. The 2018 Law on Commercial Companies mandates a 40 percent quota for the underrepresented gender, with a future aim of increasing this to 50 percent. However, this law currently applies only to joint-stock companies, and the regulations for its implementation have not yet been established, according to the KCC announcement.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that increasing women’s representation in management roles is crucial for Kosovo's alignment with European Union standards.

WOBA plans to introduce leadership and board membership preparation programs in Kosovo, as well as to establish a network of professionals and candidates ready for leadership positions.

Additionally, it was announced that EOS Matrix will re-enter the Kosovo market, focusing on collection management and acquiring non-performing loan portfolios, following recent changes in the legal framework governing the banking sector.

KCC and WOBA will coordinate their forthcoming steps for collaboration with Kosovo companies, the inclusion of local leaders in the regional network, and engagement with institutions on corporate governance matters.