In the Adria region, where the leadership of two nations by women might signal progress, the deeper reality reveals an ongoing struggle for gender equality. Though women have risen to prominent roles, these successes often mask the persistent challenges that many still face across political, economic, and social spheres. The path to gender parity in the region is uneven, with structural barriers and cultural norms continuing to limit women’s opportunities for equal participation and recognition.
While the symbolic presence of female leadership offers hope, the region remains characterised by unequal pay, underrepresentation in top business and political positions, and cultural expectations that often stifle women’s voices in public life. The struggle for balance is not confined to boardrooms or parliamentary chambers but extends to everyday experiences, as many women navigate societal pressures and professional hurdles simultaneously.
The 2024 Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum casts a broader shadow over this issue. Globally, the report estimates that it will take an additional 134 years to close the gender gap at the current pace. For the Adria region, while some nations have made tangible strides, others continue to lag behind, hampered by entrenched norms, a lack of systemic support, and slow-moving policy changes. The disparity within the region itself is stark: while one country celebrates gains in education and political inclusion, others are still battling high gender pay gaps and limited access to leadership roles.
Against this backdrop, each country’s progress, or lack thereof, needs to be critically examined. For some, the future looks promising, with incremental reforms and growing public support for gender equity. For others, the road remains long and fraught with challenges, raising the question: can these nations truly bridge the gap, or will progress remain superficial, masking deeper issues beneath the surface?
In this overview, we will explore how each country in the Adria region is navigating the complex and often contradictory journey toward gender equality. From political leadership to workplace dynamics, the stories of these nations offer insight into the shifting—but still challenging—landscape for women.
Take Albania, for example. Ranked 23rd out of 146 countries, it’s leading the region when it comes to women in politics. Half of Albania’s ministers are women—a record-breaking number globally—and women occupy 35.7% of parliamentary seats. In business, women have majority ownership in 16.9% of companies, and nearly one in five firms has a female leader. Impressive, yes—but how close is that to equality?
Then there’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ranked 78th, it’s moving in the right direction, climbing eight places from last year. But with only 20% of parliamentarians and 11% of ministers being women, there’s still a long way to go. And in business? Just 12.2% of companies are majority female-owned, with slightly more, 16.6%, being led by women. The gender pay gap remains close to the European average, at 13%.
Croatia, sitting in 61st place, tells a mixed story. Women hold 33.8% of seats in parliament and 18.75% of ministerial posts. In business, 18.5% of companies are majority-owned by women, but a healthier 27% have female leaders. Yet the gender pay gap looms large, at 14.08%.
A LONG ROAD AHEAD
For all the progress made, gender equality in the Adria region remains a work in progress. Each country tells its own story, with some advancing faster than others. But one thing is clear: the journey towards true parity is still far from over
Montenegro, ranked 67th, presents a more cautious picture. Women occupy 27.2% of parliamentary seats, while just over a fifth of government ministers are women. The business numbers are similar: 11.8% of companies have majority female ownership, and 15% have female leadership. On the plus side, the gender pay gap is lower than in many other countries, at 7.7%.
Over in North Macedonia, a country led by a woman, Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, things are looking brighter in politics, with women holding 42.5% of seats in parliament. Yet only 25% of ministerial posts are held by women. Meanwhile, just 11% of companies are majority-owned by women, but 21.3% have women at the top. The gender pay gap stands at 9.1%.
Serbia, meanwhile, sits just behind Albania in 26th place. With 38% of seats in parliament and 40% of ministerial posts held by women, it’s ahead of many of its neighbours. In business, 13.7% of companies are majority female-owned, while 18.2% are led by women. The pay gap for the same work is 8.8%.
And then there’s Kosovo*, which has made strides in political representation. Women now hold 40 seats in its parliament, surpassing the legal minimum of 30%, and seven parliamentary committees are chaired by women. Kosovo is also proud to have its second female president, Vjosa Osmani. Over the past few years, the number of women in decision-making roles has tripled—promising progress that shows the potential for change.
Slovenia, with President Nataša Pirc Musar, ranks 34th. Women occupy 37.8% of parliamentary seats and 31.58% of ministerial roles. Yet, only 11.1% of companies are majority-owned by women, while 18.8% are led by female managers. The gender pay gap is one of the lowest in the region, at 8%.
Sources: Data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report 2024 / Eurostat for wage data
