Women on Boards Adria
Women on Boards Adria (WOBA) is a regional non-profit initiative that promotes gender diversity and leadership excellence across the Adria region. WOBA works closely with businesses, governments, and international organisations to increase women’s representation in executive and non-executive leadership roles and to strengthen inclusive governance practices.
Through capacity-building programmes, leadership networks, and policy advocacy, WOBA empowers women to advance to board and senior management positions, contributing to the region’s alignment with EU gender diversity and sustainability standards.
Our growing network brings together senior professionals, corporate leaders, policymakers, and international partners who share a commitment to advancing equality, strengthening governance, and driving responsible business transformation. WOBA’s work is supported through corporate and individual memberships.
Members & Partners
Annual Events
Annual Participants
Media Coverage
Social Media Followers
Annual Website Views
Planned Activities for 2026
Building on the momentum of previous years, in 2026 WOBA will expand its regional footprint and programme offering to deepen impact and strengthen the network of board-ready women across the Adria region.
WOBA Leadership Talks
More than 20 WOBA Leadership Talks and Workshops, delivered bi-weekly in online and hybrid formats
In 2026, we will deliver a bi-weekly series of WOBA Leadership Talks and Workshops, bringing together accomplished leaders and experts from across the Adria region for an open and authentic dialogue, as well as practical learning, on leadership, career journeys, and personal growth. Through candid, experience-based conversations and interactive sessions, we will address real-life leadership challenges, decision-making at critical moments, leading through change, and building authentic leadership presence.
WOBA Leadership Talks will focus on personal leadership journeys, lived experiences, and strategic insights from senior leaders, while WOBA Workshops and masterclasses will provide hands-on, skills-based learning.
Advocacy and Research
Conference with our international partner in February in Sarajevo 2026
In 2026, WOBA will continue strengthening its advocacy and research agenda through initiatives that elevate women’s leadership and demonstrate the economic impact of gender equality in business.
Regional conferences: Organisation of multiple large-scale regional conferences convening senior representatives from governments, leading companies, and civil society to discuss women’s contribution to economic competitiveness and growth.
Policy Dialogue Series: High-level discussions with governments, regulators, and corporate partners to promote the adoption of gender diversity standards within governance frameworks.
Executive and board research: Launch of new regional research studies assessing women’s representation in C-suite positions and on boards of directors across key markets.
EU alignment tracking: Systematic mapping and benchmarking of regional progress against the EU Women on Boards Directive, identifying gaps and best practices.
Public awareness campaigns: Regional communication initiatives to raise the visibility of women leaders and promote inclusive leadership as a driver of innovation and sustainable growth.
Inclusive leadership messaging: Promotion of inclusive leadership as a measurable driver of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term sustainable economic growth.
WOBA Board Readiness Programme
WOBA Board Readiness Programme, May 2026, Skopje / Belgrade
Advanced Board Readiness Programme, October 2026, Sarajevo
The WOBA Board Readiness Programme is a structured, practice-oriented leadership development programme designed to prepare women across the Adria region for management, supervisory, and board-level roles. The programme equips participants with strategic insight, governance knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to operate effectively in complex decision-making environments.
Board Readiness Programme
In 2026, WOBA will continue to deliver regional Board Readiness Programmes combining in-person and online modules. The programme will be delivered by experienced C-level executives, board members, and recognised experts, integrating strategic content, real-world case studies, peer learning, and targeted coaching.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of board responsibilities, governance frameworks, financial oversight, ESG integration, and leadership dynamics at board level. The programme follows a structured learning journey that strengthens authentic and strategic leadership capabilities, develops boardroom-relevant financial literacy and governance expertise, deepens understanding of organisational, sectoral, and stakeholder contexts, and supports participants in positioning their experience and leadership profile for board and senior governance roles.
Advanced Board Readiness Programme
In 2026, WOBA will implement a selective Advanced Board Readiness Programme for women who are preparing to assume board positions or seeking to advance further in their board careers. Building on the core programme, the advanced track will address complex governance and leadership challenges, including crisis management, board performance evaluation, chair–board relations, advanced strategic oversight, and decision-making under pressure.
Through high-level simulations, expert-led sessions, and peer exchange, participants will further develop judgement, board presence, and strategic confidence required for service at the highest levels of governance.
Board Readiness Alumni Circle
Graduates of WOBA’s Board Readiness Programmes will form a Board Readiness Alumni Circle, a regional platform designed to support continuous development, professional visibility, and long-term leadership progression. In 2026, the Alumni Circle will offer curated learning sessions, governance-focused events, and structured engagement with board members, senior executives, and executive search firms.
The Alumni Circle will strengthen peer connections across markets and sectors and will serve as a sustained pipeline of board-ready women, reinforcing WOBA’s contribution to inclusive governance and leadership excellence across the Adria region.
Mentorship Opportunities
January – June / June – December
In 2026, the WOBA Mentorship Programme will become a cornerstone of WOBA. This structured six-month programme pairs future women leaders with experienced WOBA Mentors, offering personalised guidance aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and preparing participants for board responsibilities.
As a continuous and flagship WOBA initiative, the mentorship programme will further expand its mentor pool and reinforce intergenerational leadership across the region, ensuring long-term impact and sustained growth of women’s leadership talent.
WOBA at the Adria Future Summit
22 – 24 April, Porto Montenegro, Tivat
In 2026, WOBA will further strengthen its regional visibility and impact through active participation in the Adria Future Summit, one of the region’s leading platforms for dialogue on leadership, innovation, governance, and sustainable growth. The Summit provides a unique opportunity to position women’s leadership at the centre of broader economic and policy discussions shaping the Adria region.
WOBA’s engagement will include a dedicated WOBA meetup at the Adria Future Summit, followed by a WOBA networking evening designed to connect women leaders, board members, senior executives, and partners from across the region in an informal yet purposeful setting. In addition, WOBA will curate and contribute to panels focused on inclusive leadership, governance, and decision-making at the highest levels, as well as practical workshops aimed at strengthening leadership skills, board readiness, and strategic influence.
In 2026, WOBA will continue to champion women’s leadership and strengthen governance across the Adria region. Through partnerships, research, and capacity building, we remain committed to creating lasting impact and ensuring that women are fully represented where decisions are made.
The detailed WOBA calendar of activities will be published in January 2026 and updated regularly throughout the year to reflect programme development, partnerships, and regional priorities.