Skopje, 11 April 2025 

“The researches show that the increasing globalization positively affected the activity rate of women, i.e. countries with higher trade openness show greater gender equality.  According to a World Bank report, export-oriented companies employ more women-with women representing one-third of their workforce compared to less than one-fourth in non-exporting companies, with a figure even higher in foreign-owned companies and those involved in global supply chains where women account for 37%, as opposed to companies which are not part of these supply chains (25%).  Hence, it is estimated that deglobalization could not only significantly reduce the global GDP, depending on the intensity and channels, by up to 12%, but also disproportionately affect women.” This was pointed out by the Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska in her lecture to the students of the University American College Skopje as an honorary member of Delta Mu Delta-Pi Alpha-Skopje.

“Women account for half of the worlds’ population, yet they are significantly less included in economic flows, which is especially important for countries with labor shortage, such as ours. According to the World Economic Forum, the gender gap remains a challenge worldwide, as well as in our region, including in the Macedonian economy.  Furthermore, it is estimated that if the current pace continues, it will take 131 years to reach gender equality”, said the Governor and pointed out that achieving such progress, requires substantial reforms: removing institutional, regulatory and cultural barriers, implementing policies that support women’s labor market participation, work-life balance, and access to leadership opportunities.

The lecture, where Venera Krliu UACS Vice -Rector for Education also delivered a speech, engaged a Q&A session with the students and the Delta Mu Delta-Pi Alpha members, where they discussed the Governor’s career journey, the challenges of her role, and the current global economic shifts referring to the U.S. tariffs and their effect on the domestic economy and foreign direct investments.