Mersina Xhemajli, GPJ Kosovo
Women here are adapting traditional harvesting skills to make processed foods like ajvar, a regional hot pepper spread.
PRISHTINA, KOSOVO – One of the fastest-growing sectors in Kosovo – the food processing industry – is directly benefiting women. Women here who possess the traditional skills of harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables are now getting paid jobs in the growing food processing sector. Employment in the handicraft industry is also increasing for women as the younger generation has not learned traditional arts and crafts skills but demand is high for the products in urban stores. A photo essay.
Photos by Mersina Xhemajli, GPJ Kosovo
The most popular baked goods are baklava and sweet breads. These women are making a sale to a post-lunch crowd.
In addition to handicrafts, many women sell home-baked goods at the seasonal festivals.
These women proudly display their finest handicrafts – many of which are fast becoming a lost art among the younger generation.
Many women who create traditional clothing and household goods sell them at festivals during the summer.
Younger women search for work away from their home villages. Computer skills are replacing traditional homemaking skills.
More jobs are available in the bottling industry, where women are bottling fresh juices, like cherry juice, and dairy products.
Women are adapting traditional clothing design methods and learning sewing skills to launch home businesses.
Women, who suffer from high levels of unemployment, are learning to make baked goods for the consumer market.
