Minister Announces 100% Paid Maternity Leave for Female Entrepreneurs

Tatjana Macura (BETAPHOTO/MILAN ILIC)

Speaking on the occasion of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day marked on Nov. 19, Tatjana Macura, minister without portfolio in charge of gender equality, prevention of violence against women and economic and political empowerment of women, said the relevant law would be amended to provide female entrepreneurs with 100 percent paid maternity leave. 

Macura also said that out of 108,000 entrepreneurships in Serbia, more than 30 percent were owned by women. “Commonly, these firms employ up to ten people and mainly deal with food and beverage production, textile manufacturing and provision of various services,” Macura said.

Budget spending on supporting women’s entrepreneurship, according to her, have been increasing each year through support programs, including grants, favorable loans and programs for developing business skill for women who wish start or run their own business.  

Macura also said that early next year, her Office would set aside funds for economic empowerment of women, and called on civil society organizations and local self-governments to follow the Office’s activities for to be able to timely submit their application.