The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in North Macedonia

Photo: Maja Janevska Ilieva

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation has supported women’s rights in North Macedonia since 1999. Together with our partner organisations, we work to increase women’s opportunities to participate in society—politically, economically and socially. Despite some progress, the state still fails to take clear responsibility for gender equality, and women’s rights organisations are often forced to fill the gaps in the legal framework.

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Photo: Maja Janevska Ilijeva

Why we work in North Macedonia

Despite some progress on gender equality, major challenges remain for women’s rights in North Macedonia. Survivors of gender-based violence rarely receive the protection they are entitled to, and women remain underrepresented in decision-making—especially at the local level. Our partner organisations work every day to strengthen women’s voices and rights.

This is why we are present:

  • Gender-based violence is widespread, and support for survivors is lacking
  • Women are largely excluded from politics—particularly at the local level
  • Minority women face multiple forms of discrimination
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How we support women in North Macedonia

Together with our partner organisations in North Macedonia, we work to:

  • Prevent gender-based violence and support victims/survivors
  • Increase the political participation of women
  • Promote women’s economic empowerment
  • Create safe meeting spaces for women and girls from different ethnic groups
  • Raise awareness and challenge gender stereotypes and harmful norms.
  • Strengthen the feminist movement
  • Improve women’s access to health care
  • Provide policymakers with data on gender equality
  • Advocate for full implementation of equality laws, and include a gender perspective in all legislation

Our work in North Macedonia is conducted from our office in Skopje.

North Macedonian women’s rights organisations participate in the global movement One Billion Rising, against violence against women. Photo: Kvinna till Kvinna/Johanna Arkåsen

Our partner organisations in North Macedonia

  • APCPOD – Association for Persons with Cerebral Palsy and other Disabilities
  • Association for Advancement of Gender Equality, Akcija Zdruzenska – Skopje
  • Association for protection of workers’ rights GLASEN TEXTILEC – Stip
  • Coalition “Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities” – MARGINS
  • EcHO – Educational Humanitarian Organization
  • ESE – Association for Emancipation Solidarity and Equality of Women
  • Helsinki Committee for Human Rights/Meduza
  • National Network to End Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence
  • Organisation Zena Delchevo
  • Organization of Women of the Municipality of Sveti Nikole
  • Reactor – Research in Action
  • Tiiiit! Inc. – Skopje

News from our partners in North Macedonia

From knowledge to action: Advancing gender equality in the Western Balkans

In a shifting political and social landscape, spaces for shared learning and exchange are becoming increasingly important for sustaining and advancing gender equality. The regional training "Gender Equality Education for Practitioners – From Theory to Policy Implementation" brought together participants from across the Western Balkans to reflect, connect, and explore how feminist knowledge can inform everyday work and long-term change.

26 June 2025

Solidarity is Our Strength: Regional Networking and Exchange Forum

At a time when the challenges faced by women’s rights activists are intensifying, the call for feminist solidarity and collaboration has never been more urgent, as highlighted at the recent Regional Networking and Exchange Forum for Feminist Strategies — “Solidarity is Our Strength.” The Forum was organised by The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

20 February 2025

FemDefenders 2022—“Challenging the Norms”

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation office in North Macedonia pays tribute and celebrates women’s human rights defenders annually with the FemDefenders event.

11 January 2023

On the frontline for safe abortions

Approval in front of a hospital committee and mandatory ultrasound—just to name some examples. Dragana Karovska Chemerska knows what is at stake when abortion rights are threatened. We sat down with the Macedonian activist for a conversation about how to stand up for safe and legal abortions.

20 September 2021

The anti-gender movement—a threat to sexuality education

In recent years, the anti-gender movement has gained a foothold in North Macedonia and comprehensive sexuality education is under threat. To counteract this, the organisation HERA works to raise awareness of the importance of sexuality education.

1 June 2022

#metoo wave sweeps across the Western Balkans

Across the Western Balkans, women’s rights activists are joining forces, demanding an end to sexual violence against women. Our North Macedonia team explains why.

3 May 2021

Last updated or reviewed 27 June 2025