In-depth article: Empowering women in peripheral regions - Insights from the WIN awareness-raising campaign in Canton 10

The WIN awareness-raising campaign in Canton 10 was implemented with the goal of strengthening the position of women in the labour market, particularly in peripheral and less-developed regions. Through a combination of stakeholder engagement, storytelling, and direct interaction with local communities, the campaign provided valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities faced by women.

One of the key activities within the campaign was a round table discussion held in Livno, which brought together women entrepreneurs, unemployed women, representatives of public institutions, NGOs, and business support organizations. The discussion created a space for open dialogue, where participants could share their experiences and perspectives on the barriers they encounter in everyday professional life.

A recurring theme throughout the campaign was the presence of administrative and structural obstacles that limit women’s access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Many participants emphasized the lack of accessible information, financial support, and mentoring programmes as key challenges. At the same time, the discussions revealed a strong motivation among women to actively participate in the labour market and develop their own initiatives.

Particularly impactful were the personal stories shared during the campaign. Women from Canton 10 presented their experiences in fields such as tourism, agriculture, and small-scale entrepreneurship. These stories demonstrated resilience, creativity, and the ability to build sustainable livelihoods despite limited resources. They also served as a source of inspiration for other women, encouraging them to take the first step towards professional engagement.

The campaign also highlighted the importance of networking and cooperation between institutions and local stakeholders. Meaningful interactions during the round table enabled knowledge exchange and helped build stronger connections among participants. This collaborative approach proved essential in identifying practical solutions and improving support mechanisms for women.

An important development following the campaign activities is the adoption of the “Programme for encouraging and empowering women in entrepreneurship in Hercegbosanska County” by the Government. This represents a concrete step forward in strengthening institutional support for women and reflects the relevance of the issues raised during the campaign. This outcome highlights the importance of continued dialogue between institutions and local stakeholders in shaping more inclusive labour market policies.

From an implementation perspective, one of the key lessons learned is that awareness-raising activities should go beyond presenting information. Direct engagement, storytelling, and creating safe spaces for dialogue have a much stronger impact on participants. Additionally, increasing media visibility and expanding outreach activities remain important areas for further development.

Overall, the WIN awareness-raising campaign in Canton 10 contributed to increasing the visibility of women’s entrepreneurship and provided a platform for discussing real challenges and opportunities. While there is still a need for stronger institutional support and more frequent initiatives, the campaign represents a meaningful step towards more inclusive and effective labour market participation for women in peripheral industrial regions.