During the hybrid event, forum participants agreed that women's economic empowerment is vital to sustainable and democratic societies.
The Economic and Environmental Forum is the main cycle of meetings within the OSCE's economic and environmental dimension. Its objectives are to identify needs and priorities, to raise awareness and stimulate the political will of the 57 OSCE participating States to address economic, environmental and security challenges, to share best practices, and to provide a platform for dialogue with representatives of international organizations, business and academia and civil society.

 

Ralitsa Zhekova, Executive Director of RAPIV, presented the main policy recommendations set out in the Policy Agenda developed under the WOMEN IN BUSINESS project, namely:

- Creation of a favorable environment through the application of a one-stop shop concept-creation of a centralized platform related to start-up women, where start-ups, investors, educational institutions, accelerators and incubators, students and other stakeholders could meet and exchange information ;

- Develop policy and support tools for women start-ups, including mentoring and business, digital and soft skills training programs.

- Developing a Strategy and taking concrete actions to harmonize the business environment with the family environment in order to provide support and relief to women in the form of childcare, care for the elderly, family life and leisure.

 

Strengthening gender equality was one of the OSCE's top priorities during the Swedish Presidency in 2021.