Marija Savovska, Executive Director of Akcija Zdruzenska, spoke at the session “Smart Financing for Equality: Advancing Fair and Inclusive Opportunities”, held on October 2 in Istanbul, as part of the MARUF x Forum of Women Mayors in South-East Europe.

The session, organized in cooperation with NALAS and UN Women, focused on how public budgets and financial tools can be transformed under the leadership of women mayors to support equality-based policies.

In her address, Savovska shared positive examples from several municipalities in North Macedonia, demonstrating that when women are consulted about their needs, sustainable solutions are created that have a strong impact on the entire community.

She emphasized that basic services such as public transport, kindergartens, and women’s centers not only improve women’s daily lives but also drive economic growth and contribute to a better life for everyone.

That’s why municipalities should invest in women and include them in decision-making processes, they know how it should be done” Savovska underlined.