Eighty-three women from 55 rural and urban communities and 12 partner women’s organizations took part in the annual Women’s Circle gathering held in Struga from July 4 to 6. Held for the seventh consecutive year under the motto “Woven Women’s Vision,” this year’s event focused on building unity through creative message-making and conversations about women’s solidarity and the values that drive activists in the pursuit of women’s rights and gender equality.

On the first day, the participants created handmade crafts that conveyed their wishes and messages for the changes they hope to see for women. They also discussed the meaning of solidarity — understanding it as helping, supporting, uniting, caring, and showing humanity.

On the second day, through small group discussions, the participants reflected on and questioned their own and the commonly accepted principles and values that motivate them as activists. They shared examples of both formal and informal discriminatory practices against women and explored how they can overcome them individually or collectively, in solidarity with other women.

As part of the annual Women’s Circle gathering, representatives of local women’s organizations shared good news about positive changes in their communities — achievements that resulted from their women’s activism.

Some of these positive changes accomplished through their advocacy between the two gatherings included cleaning up waste, obtaining a meeting space for women, and securing access to clean drinking water.

The women also discussed ongoing challenges they face and remain focused on solving, such as the lack of drinking water and irregular public transport.

In one of the final sessions, the participants shared questions and strategies for future advocacy, as well as visions for change, which they plan to present at the next Women’s Circle gathering.