Fairs of Medicinal Herbs and Homemade Products – An Opportunity for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Montenegro

The EKOS Project (2023–2025), implemented by Zavod Krog, NVU Impuls, and NVO Runolist with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, has so far trained 20 women from Nikšić and Rožaje in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. In addition to professional knowledge, the participants also received practical support – seedlings, tools, and for some even greenhouses. The cultivation of plants such as lavender, immortelle, lemon balm, oregano, and sage proved to be over 90% successful, demonstrating the sustainability and potential of future production.

The participants presented their first wide range of products – from teas, juices, tinctures, natural cosmetics to handmade souvenirs – to the public at two EKOS fairs: on July 5, 2025, at the tourist farm “Đed Radoš” in the village of Orah near Nikšić, and on July 27 at Jela Natural Resort in Rožaje, where they exhibited alongside other local creators.

Such fairs are not only a sales opportunity but also allow women to showcase their knowledge and experience to the wider public, open the way towards economic independence, and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities. At the same time, they help preserve the rich tradition of herbalism and handicrafts while highlighting the importance of gender equality and the active participation of women in social and economic life.

The fairs showed how important it is for rural women to have a space to present their work. As one participant emphasized, such opportunities give them “motivation and the feeling that their work truly matters.” Visitors, on the other hand, had the chance to hear their personal stories and to see how love for herbs can be transformed into an entrepreneurial opportunity.

Through these activities, the EKOS Project strengthens civil society, encourages cooperation with local institutions, and transfers knowledge to the communities where it is most needed. The fairs of medicinal herbs and homemade products are a fine example of how combining education, economic opportunities, and awareness-raising can lead to lasting change.