EWA Training held on public speaking and conflict resolution

Today, July 16, 2025, within the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme, supported by EIT Food and locally implemented by the Foundation for Management and industrial research, a transformative training took place focusing on two essential topics for every woman leader: public speaking and conflict resolution.

The training was designed for the 10 selected participants of this year’s programme — visionary women with the potential to build successful businesses. The sessions were led by Irena Jakimova and Aleksandra Janeska-Iliev, professional trainers who, through an interactive approach and practical exercises, encouraged the participants to strengthen their self-confidence, communication style, and ability to face challenges constructively.

Part 1: Public Speaking and Presentation, led by Irena, the participants worked on:

• Brief and confident self-introduction in front of a group
• Structuring a speech and delivering a clear, impactful message
• Preparing mentally and content-wise for a successful performance
• Techniques to manage stage fright and build presence
• Practical exercises for body language, diction, and voice
• Creating action plans for future public speaking engagements

Part 2: Conflict Resolution, led by Aleksandra, the group explored:

• Leadership skills – understanding the difference between a manager and a leader
• Team management – building trust, effective communication, and clearly defined roles
• How to identify different types of conflict within a team or workplace
• Understanding conflict not as a threat, but as a chance for growth
• Role-play and group analysis of simulated conflict scenarios

The training was dynamic, intensive, and energizing. The participants not only gained practical tools but also created a safe and supportive environment for personal development. The day ended with an inspiring exchange of experiences and concrete plans for applying the acquired skills in real-life situations.

This marked another important step in building confident, decisive, and communicatively skilled women entrepreneurs — the kind of leaders we need to positively shape the agrifood sector. The day was filled with learning, experience-sharing, and community-building. Participants left equipped with new skills, increased self-confidence, and a clearer vision of how to apply the knowledge in their entrepreneurial journeys.

👩🌾 What is the EWA Programme?

Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) is a European programme that supports women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector in developing their innovative ideas — not only through funding, but also through specialised training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The programme targets women in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey, providing access to relevant knowledge and contacts essential for launching and growing sustainable businesses.

The local implementing partner is the Foundation for Management and industrial research — an organisation actively promoting innovation, technology transfer, and gender equality in entrepreneurship and research. Through its activities, the Foundation:

• Conducts research and fosters innovation to support sustainable growth
• Collaborates with enterprises to help them grow and access global markets
• Promotes eco-innovation and the creation of new business opportunities
• Encourages social cohesion for inclusive and sustainable development

For the first time this year, the EWA programme is being implemented in Macedonia by the Foundation for Management and industrial research — a meaningful step forward in advancing women’s entrepreneurship and innovation in the agrifood sector.