Women entrepreneurs take center stage at Belgrade bazaar marking International Women’s Day

Belgrade, 6 March 2026 - From handmade jewelry and natural cosmetics to sustainable fashion and artisanal food products, women entrepreneurs from across Serbia brought their businesses to the heart of the city, turning International Women’s Day into a space of visibility, exchange and economic opportunity.

The Women’s Entrepreneurship Bazaar, held at MTS Dvorana in Belgrade, gathered 22 women entrepreneurs and offered citizens a chance to meet the women behind the products, learn about their work and directly support women-led businesses.

Organized by UN Women Serbia, the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue of the Republic of Serbia and the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, the event placed women’s economic empowerment in a tangible, everyday context through real products, personal stories and direct interaction.

“Supporting women entrepreneurs is essential for reducing gender inequalities in the labor market and ensuring equal access to opportunities, markets and resources,” said Demo Beriša, Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.

“Gender equality is not only a matter of moral imperative, but also a strategic investment in the economy and society. In Serbia, the European Union supports women’s economic empowerment through various programs for entrepreneurs, strengthening business incubators and opening financing opportunities for innovative ideas, while also contributing to the development of a legal and institutional framework that ensures women can fully exercise their rights,” said Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.

“Events like this are important because they create space for women entrepreneurs to be seen, experienced and supported,” said Milana Rikanović, Head of UN Women in Serbia. “For many women, the challenge is not only starting a business but reaching customers and accessing the market. When women have the opportunity to grow their businesses, the entire society benefits.”

Across the venue, visitors explored a diverse range of products and services, reflecting the breadth of women’s entrepreneurship in Serbia - from creative industries and crafts to food production, design and social entrepreneurship. For many of the participating entrepreneurs, the bazaar was more than a sales opportunity: it was a platform for visibility, networking and connection.

“Entrepreneurship brings the joy of creating something of your own, but it also comes with challenges - from developing products to finding customers, while balancing family responsibilities,” said Milena Jovanović, founder of the microgreens business Moćno. “That is why opportunities like this matter - they allow us to present our work, connect with customers and support each other.”

The bazaar also served as a meeting point for institutions, international partners, media and the wider public, reinforcing the importance of women’s economic participation as a driver of inclusive growth.

The European Union continues to support women’s economic empowerment in Serbia through programmes that strengthen entrepreneurship, improve access to finance and contribute to building a more enabling business environment.

By bringing women entrepreneurs into a public and accessible space, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Bazaar highlighted both the potential and the challenges of women-led businesses and underscored a simple message: when women’s work is visible, supported and valued, entire communities benefit.