“Women’s leadership for the future”

International Republican Institute (IRI) as the implementing partner of USAID in Serbia, in cooperation with Women Democracy Network (WDN) held a conference „Women’s leadership for the future“ at hotel Metropol on April 6 and 7. The aim of the conference was advocating for economic reforms through development of clear public policy for the development of female entrepreneurship and support to women in leadership positions.

The conference brought together around 50 women from politics, business, civil sector and the media in leadership positions in the USA, EU, Serbia and the region, including the representatives of NALED and Ethno Network (members from Negotin, Indjija, Bela Palanka, Zrenjanin, Veliko Gradiste and Krusevac).

Violeta Jovanovic, NALED Executive Director, moderated the panel „Practical skills in business management“ which gathered around women in leading positions in Serbia, as well as Tammy Longaberger (www.longaberger.com) a successful owner of private business in the USA.

Jelena Bojovic, NALED Policy Director, directed the discussion in the panel „Stimulating the business environment in Serbia“ discussing specific measures that need to be taken in order to improve the environment for doing business, focusing on favorable conditions for small businesses and female entrepreneurship.

Active contribution in the conference was provided by the representatives of Women’s Parliamentary Network, including Gordana Comic, Dubravka Filipovski, Marija Obradovic, Vesna Jovicki, Danka Jokic and Jelena Travar-Miljevic.

The recommendations resulting from these panels were as follows:

1. Performing comprehensive reform of inspection (educational and preventive, not punitive function)
2. Enabling uniform treatment of local tax administrations
3. Changing the regulation on the lump sum taxation of entrepreneurs in or