Two Macedonian women leaders find purpose, partnership, and inspiration on a journey through India.
It began with curiosity and a calling—a calling rooted in entrepreneurship, cultural diplomacy, and a shared sense of purpose. For Prof. Makedonka Dimitrova and Aneta Antova Pesheva, two remarkable women leaders from the Republic of North Macedonia, their first visit to India has blossomed into an immersive and eye-opening experience—one that bridged continents through conversation, compassion, and common ground.
Both Makedonka, co-founder of the Macedonian Center for Energy Efficiency, a university professor and entrepreneurial trainer, and Aneta, a seasoned IT leader, founder and CEO of the oldest Macedonian IT company Ultra-Unet Corporation and president of Macedonia’s ICT Chamber of Commerce, arrived in India with a mission. They were part of a G100, global network initiated by Indian social entrepreneur Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, aiming to empower women across the globe through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and leadership.
But what they found in India was far beyond a schedule of panels and conferences—it was a vibrant tapestry of human connection, spiritual tradition, and boundless opportunity.
“This is our first time in India—but I hope not the last,” said Makedonka with an infectious smile. “We came here for a noble purpose, and it’s been a transformational journey. Both of us are part of a global network of women committed to uplifting others, and India has shown us what that truly looks like on the ground.”
Their journey included participation in the pre-event on the International Women Entrepreneurship Conference held on 5th April in the Constitution Club of India and the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship and Edupreneurship Festival 2025 that kicked off on April 6th in Delhi’s International Internship University and continued at a celebration at newly founded James International School in Kunda village, Uttar Pradesh. At the festival, Makedonka delivered a keynote speech addressing one of the most urgent but often overlooked issues in traditional societies—gender equality in family business succession.
“In many cultures, including Macedonia and India, businesses are passed on to sons or sons-in-law. Daughters are often skipped,” she said. “But business continuity should not be determined by gender—it should be merit-based. It’s time to include daughters in the legacy, not leave them behind.”
At the same event, she also spoke on a panel discussing the cultural dimensions of entrepreneurship—a theme that resonated deeply across borders, while Aneta contributed to the panel on enabling business environments in times of economic turmoil.
For Aneta, who brings over 35 years of experience in the IT sector, the Indian visit became a powerful platform to continue her lifelong advocacy: encouraging young women to pursue science and technology careers.
“I always tell them—look at me, I’m an engineer, and I turned out okay!” she laughed. “Only through tech and science can we truly achieve gender equality in pay and opportunity. And here in India—an IT superpower—the potential is enormous.”
She reflected on her conversations with students and professionals across the country, including those in underprivileged rural areas. “There is so much talent here—especially among girls. But they need support, encouragement, and infrastructure.”
The duo visited the James International School in Kunda, a unique institution built using traditional Indian construction techniques and powered by entrepreneurship principles. “We brought sweets for the children and spent time talking to them about their dreams. The school is just two years old but holds such promise,” said Makedonka. “They need books, desks, and support, so my mission in the next period would be to support its growth. Education is the single path to opportunity—and we hope more people will step up to help.”
Beyond the conferences and classrooms, India left a deep cultural impression on the Macedonian visitors. They traveled to Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi—by bus, on foot, and sometimes through conversations with strangers.
“It was like being in a movie,” said Makedonka. “People kept asking to take pictures with me on the street. Fathers, mothers, children—it felt surreal and beautiful.”
She was equally taken in by India’s spiritual landscape. “We met a girl at a bus station heading to a village to pray with her guru. That kind of spiritual commitment was new to me. And the fact that people have small temples in their homes—it’s something I will never forget.”
Makedonka and Aneta repeatedly pointed out the deeper, less visible threads that bind Macedonia and India. “Both are collectivist cultures,” Makedonka explained, referencing sociologist Geert Hofstede’s research on cultural dimensions. “This means family and community matter deeply in both countries. We’re not that different.”
“And let’s not forget,” she added, “Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, our hometown. Her legacy ties us in spirit.”
In Macedonia, Aneta and Makedonka are cultural influencers and economic drivers. Aneta, as a president of the Macedonian ICT Chamber of Commerce reiterated that India’s IT professionals are highly valued in Macedonia. “There is a lot of scope for bilateral cooperation in tech, AI, and deep learning,” she said. “And we need to prepare for a future where these technologies are central—not optional.”
One of the most exciting takeaways from their India visit was the possibility of launching an Indian-Macedonian Chamber of Commerce. “We are already in discussions,” said Aneta. “You never know where a conversation over coffee in Delhi might lead. That’s the beauty of this country—it opens your heart and mind.”
But they are also realistic. “There’s a lot India can improve—especially in waste management,” Makedonka added. “Leftovers on the streets, plastic waste, toxic e-waste—these are major challenges. It starts with awareness, then authority. Macedonian landscape faces similar issues, but the scale in India is massive.”
Still, both women agreed that India’s discipline in spiritual practices—especially during festivals like Navaratri—left them deeply moved. “You couldn’t find meat in restaurants during Navaratri,” Makedonka said. “That level of collective spiritual observance is rare in Europe.”
“Our dear friends Irena Pal and the Director of Austrian Cultural Forum, New Delhi, Michael Pal, were our gracious hosts for part of the trip,” said Aneta. “Through their eyes, we experienced many prestigious venues and cultural events. But it was in the first five days—immersed in the everyday life, local travel, and spontaneous interactions—that we truly discovered the real India. That part of the journey will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Their message to India? Stay open, stay proud, and invest in your youth—especially girls!
“You have everything here—talent, culture, tradition, and the will to rise,” said Aneta. “What you need is more connections—economic, humanitarian, and cultural. And we hope to be part of that story.”
As Makedonka wrapped up the conversation, she spoke with conviction. “This is not goodbye, it’s see you soon. Because India, for us, is more than a destination—it’s a partner in purpose.”
Their time in India may have been brief, but the bonds they built, the lessons they learned, and the ideas they sparked will surely travel back with them to the heart of the Balkans—and perhaps, into the boardrooms and classrooms of the future.