Valentina Disoska: Digital Progress in North Macedonia
What does it take to build a business landscape where women lead with confidence, and equal opportunity? Valentina Disoska, President of the Association of Business Women – North Macedonia, invites us to explore exactly that. As one of North Macedonia’s influential voice for women’s empowerment, she challenges entrepreneurs, policymakers, partners on how modern success is created.
At Equal Pay Day 2026, she mentors on three essential pillars:
• How can leadership and policy creation open doors for women across all sectors?
• What new forms of negotiation and partnership are needed to strengthen women‑led enterprises?
• And how can digitalization and AI become practical tools that transform businesses rather than intimidate them?
In North Macedonia, women increasingly drive micro‑ and small‑business growth, including in rural regions. Disoska promotes digital literacy and “digital grammar” as essential tools for competitiveness, helping entrepreneurs embrace e‑commerce, online branding, and cross‑border markets.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a new accelerator. Disoska encourages women to adopt AI for smarter decision‑making, streamlined operations, and expanded customer reach, positioning technology as an accessible ally rather than a barrier.
Her message is clear: when women gain equal access to digital tools, supportive policies, and fair economic conditions, communities thrive. Through her work, North Macedonia is emerging as a model of inclusive, future‑oriented entrepreneurship.
North Macedonia’s 92% internet penetration demonstrates that digital access is not the barrier – connectivity is nearly strong. Yet gender gaps in economic participation remain significant. According to the State Statistical Office of the Republic of North Macedonia (SSO), around 29% of business owners in the country are women, reflecting a persistent imbalance in economic leadership. This contrast strengthens our Equal Pay Day 2026 message: even where digital connectivity is strong, gender inequalities persist.
Ksenija Vangelova: Driving innovation and Women’s entrepreneurship in North Macedonia
Ksenija Vangelova, Founder & CEO of the Regional Business Innovation Centre Strumica (RBICSR), is a dynamic force in North Macedonia’s growing entrepreneurial landscape. As a mentor at Equal Pay Day 2026, she guides participants through the Design Thinking model, encouraging women to approach business challenges with creativity, structure, and user‑centered solutions.
Her work reflects broader national trends: women entrepreneurs in North Macedonia are increasingly shaping micro‑ and small‑business development, especially in rural regions where new opportunities can transform local economies. Vangelova emphasizes the importance of “digital grammar” – the essential skills needed to navigate online tools, build a digital presence, and access wider markets.
She also highlights the role of artificial intelligence as a practical resource for women‑led enterprises. From automating routine tasks to improving customer insights, AI offers accessible ways to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Vangelova’s mentoring helps women see technology not as a barrier but as a catalyst for growth. By combining innovation methods, digital skills, and inclusive economic thinking, she inspires entrepreneurs to design solutions that strengthen both their businesses and their communities. Her leadership contributes to a more resilient, future‑ready North Macedonia.
