National Report for Serbia Published within the WOMEX Project

National Report for Serbia Published within the WOMEX Project

18.09.2026

The Association of Business Women in Serbia conducted regional mapping and research on the role of women in the competitiveness of exporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia, within the European project WOMEX – The role of women in the competitiveness of exporting SMEs, co-funded by the Interreg Europe programme and supported by the European Union.

The aim of the research was to examine the position and role of women in export-oriented SMEs, their representation in the management of export activities, opportunities for professional development, as well as the key challenges and needs they face in the process of business internationalisation.

Women play a significant role in export management

The research findings show that women play a significant role in managing export activities in the companies surveyed. In 56.9% of the companies included in the research, a woman is the person with ultimate responsibility for managing export activities.

At the same time, the research points to existing barriers to women’s professional development, as well as the need to further strengthen knowledge and competences in the areas of foreign trade, exporting and business internationalisation.

Through the regional mapping, data and insights were collected that contribute to a better understanding of the position of women in export-oriented SMEs in Serbia and provide a basis for the further development of recommendations and support measures.

A basis for recommendations and improved public policies

The findings of the National Report for Serbia will serve as a basis for developing recommendations for improving the Employment Programme of the City of Belgrade and its Action Plan, with a particular focus on:

  • women’s economic empowerment;
  • increasing women’s participation in export activities;
  • strengthening knowledge and competences required for business internationalisation;
  • further development and support for export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises.

The regional mapping conducted by the Association of Business Women in Serbia represents an important step towards identifying the current situation, needs and potential for stronger participation of women in export activities and for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in Serbia.

The National Report for Serbia is available in the WOMEX Library.

The WOMEX – The role of women in the competitiveness of exporting SMEs project is implemented within the Interreg Europe programme, with the support of the European Union.