Research on Women in the Business World of BiH: Advancements are made, but Gender Inequality Remains a Challenge

January 30, 2025 – The results of an extensive research study titled "Women in the Business World of Bosnia and Herzegovina", jointly conducted by Deloitte BiH and MojPosao.ba, were presented at the Tershouse amphitheater in Sarajevo. The research, covering data from 2019 and 2024, provides insights into the perceptions and experiences of women in the business environment, with a particular focus on challenges and opportunities for improving gender equality in the country.

The presentation was led by Sabina Softić, Managing Partner and Director of Deloitte BiH, and Mersiha Mima Mehić, CEO of MojPosao.ba, who thoroughly presented the key findings and emphasized the importance of further progress in achieving gender equality in the business world.

Key Findings

The research on the role of women in the business world of Bosnia and Herzegovina shows that, although perceptions of female leadership are evolving, significant obstacles remain in achieving gender equality. While 86% of respondents believe that women should be represented in leadership positions, 67% emphasize the need for additional encouragement for women to take on these roles.

Women are recognized as exceptional in facing business challenges, implementing strategies, and managing human resources. However, they still face prejudices, as 66% of respondents perceive that women earn less than their male colleagues in the same positions. Additionally, 87% of respondents believe that women must put in more effort to prove themselves at the same hierarchical level.

One of the key challenges remains balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Over 85% of respondents state that women are still asked about family planning during job interviews. Flexible working conditions and programs promoting work-life balance have been identified as crucial factors for improving the position of women in the business environment.

When it comes to female entrepreneurship, the greatest challenge remains the lack of financial resources, while career satisfaction is also seen as a barrier to starting a business. However, most female respondents would pursue entrepreneurship if given the opportunity, with a preference for independently managing their own businesses.

Inspiring Discussion on Leadership

Following the presentation of the results, an interactive discussion was held with successful female leaders from various sectors. The participants shared their experiences, reflecting on the challenges they faced throughout their careers, as well as perspectives on the future of the labor market. The importance of mentorship, support, and continuous professional development was particularly emphasized.

About the Research

The study on women in the business world in BiH, comparing and analyzing data from 2019 and 2024, aimed to explore gender equality and the obstacles women face in the business environment, as well as highlight how perceptions of businesswomen have changed over the five-year period. In 2024, the research covered 1,286 respondents from the public, 216 professionals in managerial posititons, and six respondents through written interviews. In 2019, the study included 721 respondents from the public and 253 professionals in managerial positions. The methodology consisted of a public survey, a survey for managers, and written interviews.

Publication Available to the Public

For those interested in gaining a deeper insight into the research findings, the publication "Women in the Business World of BiH" offers a detailed analysis and can be downloaded below.