This is indicated by official figures, based on which, businesses led by women amount to around 30% of the total number of businesses. What needs to be stressed is the fact that the district of Tirana has the largest number of these businesses with around 48% of businesses, as opposed to the district of Kukes with only 5.6%. This makes the capital the place where women are able to feel fulfilled, even as businesswomen.
But even in the capital, this seems to be hard, referring to the fact that around 93% of the total of private activities managed by women employ from 1 to 4 people. This shows that they are reluctant when it comes to large private undertakings. According to the Institute of Statistics, the percentage of women managing businesses that employ more than 50 people is only 20% of the total number. Women also manage only 16% of the total number of joint stock companies and 18% of limited liability companies.
These indicators reinforce the idea that businesses managed by women are still growing, despite the support recently offered by the state. The fund allocated by the Albanian Investment Development Agency benefited 62 businesses managed by woman out of a total of 99 businesses or 48% of the funds allocated for 62% of beneficiaries. The development of businesses managed by women also depends on the gained experience and the personal incentive that each woman has inside.
“For the past decade, I have worked in my tour agency”, says Etleva, who offers an account of her personal story in doing business. She adds that besides passion, this activity has also offered her with many valid experiences in the domain of tourism.
Women who face such difficulties of doing businesses in today’s reality are many, however, their level is not where it should be. This is also confirmed by the World Economic Forum, according to which, 56% of women in Albania appear to be discouraged in looking for a job, but also to open up a business of their own.
