Gender and Inclusion

With our principal implementing partners, FIRMA prioritizes gender mainstreaming and empowerment of women and the socially / economically excluded. According to the BiH Agency for Statistics, although women make up 51% of the BiH population, only 38.5% of women participate in the labor market. Women's participation in business decision-making processes is also far from equal – only 5% of women lead public enterprises and only every fourth entrepreneur is a woman.

Persons with disabilities are faced with numerous obstacles in their everyday lives in education, social and health protection, and particularly in employment. Studies show that over 70% of persons with disabilities do not have work experience and most have no training.

It is estimated that only 1-2% of Roma in BiH are employed. Being Roma is one of the greatest obstacles to social inclusion. The stereotypical perceptions of Roma have often denied them access to education, vocational training, and employment.

The increased participation of women in the labor market, persons with disabilities, and Roma will enhance the economic growth potential of Bosnia & Herzegovina. FIRMA actively supports policies and public-private dialogues that aim to create equal opportunities in the three FIRMA sectors. Our activities to promote and create equal opportunities will increase employment and the labor participation rates for women, persons with disabilities, and Roma.