The two-phase project, Improved Opportunities for Self-Employment and Employment, aims to enhance the economic position of women in the labor market across the Pristina and Ferizaj regions. Funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the project primarily targets marginalized women, with partial support for men, to foster greater opportunities for employment and self-employment.

Phase I (2019-2021) Key Objectives:

• Improved communication and cooperation with Kosovar institutions (public and private) in KW4W’s fields of activity will lead to an improvement of KW4W’s economic situation and sustainability of measures;
• 300 women are equipped with vocational, soft and business skills & competencies needed for their employment and self-employment;
• Job Placement services upgraded and expanded its functioning in the Ferizajregion;
• Women have access to resources and opportunities for finances;
• 10 new women entrepreneurs are placed in the Women Business Incubator, benefitting from the start-ups and capacity development activities.

During the first phase, the project successfully provided professional training to 300 women in tailoring, horticulture, beekeeping, handicrafts, soft skills, financial literacy, and digital skills. Supported 24 women-led businesses through grants and awarded 10 startup grants to aspiring women entrepreneurs Assisted over 100 women through employment mediation services at the Resource Center.

Phase II (2022-2025) Key Objectives:

• Strengthening collaboration with central and local institutions, as well as other key stakeholders, to create more employment and self-employment opportunities for women.
• Enhancing the skills and capacities of 230 women through vocational training programs.
• Supporting 30 women entrepreneurs with business start-up assistance and capacity development initiatives.
• Facilitating women’s businesses in accessing finance and expansion opportunities.
• Establishing and operationalizing a Resource and Training Center to provide continuous support.

Building on the successes of the first phase, the second phase aims to benefit 545 individuals by: equipping 230 women with vocational, business, and soft skills, including financial literacy training. Providing up to 200 women with micro-business capital or internship support. Awarding grants to 20 individual women or women’s groups to develop their enterprises. Supporting 30 women entrepreneurs with start-up assistance and business development programs. Expanding the capacities of grant recipients from Phase 1 through training in circular economy, green economy, renewable energy, and environmental protection, as well as facilitating business networking through B2B events, regional fairs, and other platforms.

The projects are implemented in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including local municipalities, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the National Accreditation Authority, business associations, and private sector partners.