In the past period, capacity-building workshops for national advocacy were held at three locations – in Karpoš, Veles, and Štip, dedicated to strengthening women’s voices in public policies. The workshops were organized by Akcija Združenska, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, and the humanitarian association Majka – Kumanovo, in cooperation with several local women’s organizations.
In Veles, women activists from LAG Agro Lider, the Women’s Organization from Delčevo, and the Women’s Lobby from Demir Kapija worked together on shaping institutions that respond to the needs of women and local communities. In an atmosphere filled with ideas and solidarity, the participants discussed how women’s initiatives can influence national processes and inspire institutional change.
Through simulations of meetings with ministers and mayors, the women learned how to present their demands to them, how to communicate effectively, and how to advocate for resolving the problems they face in their communities.
In Štip, activists from the Women’s Organization of Strumica (OŽS) and Women’s Action from Radoviš built new knowledge about what public policies represent, which actors participate in their creation, and how to act strategically for greater visibility and influence. The two-day group work encouraged an exchange of experiences and the creation of shared visions for gender equality.
In Karpoš, the women from the Radika-De Association and the Civic Initiative of Women – GIŽ Sveti Nikole focused on identifying institutional gaps and formulating proposals to improve the policies that should ensure women’s rights. The activists developed their own models of what kind of institutions women need – transparent, accountable, and equality-oriented.
At all three workshops, the participants jointly concluded that strong women’s voices are essential in national advocacy processes.
Through learning, networking, and sharing, they built collective power and laid the foundations for future joint actions.
When women unite – institutions change!
