Towards a Gender Equal World: the EU Gender Action Plan III

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• Gender marker: G2-Promotes gender equality as a primary objective

• Period of implementation: 2022-2023

• Amount: EUR 99,615

• Geographical area: Western Balkans and Türkiye

• (Co-)funded by: Slovak Republic 

• Implementing partners: 

  • Hekima NGO and SEEU Foundation at the SEE University at Tetovo

• Link to the project: 

  • https://www.hekima.sk/en/zeny-v-podnikani-a-inovaciach

• GAP III’s Areas:

  • Economic and social empowerment

  • Green and digital transformation

In countries like North Macedonia, circular climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship and innovation are still fields primarily occupied by men. So, based on the experience in Slovakia, this intervention supports Macedonian women in their efforts to build a more gender-inclusive, climate-conscious and agriculturally innovative country.

In fact, its uniqueness lies in the fact that it connects three important and interacting areas such as gender equality, economic development through innovative entrepreneurship and climate-smart solutions. 

In particular, it contributes to positive changes by increasing public awareness among 300,000 people about the role of women in the innovation-based economy and climate intelligence. It also promotes women’s participation in innovative and climate-smart business, for example, by supporting 20 female-led startups/initiatives, and by organising a forum for the exchange of experiences and best practices between Slovak and Macedonian experts. 

Furthermore, to encourage private sector involvement, it also provides a platform for medium and large companies that want to implement positive changes in the field of sustainability, inclusion, and diversity. It also comprises other activities such as seed-funding for three startups with the greatest potential, the "Women in Innovation and Entrepreneurship" conference, and training initiatives such as the Responsible Entrepreneurship Academy and the Platform of 21^st Century Business Leaders. 

With the aim of leaving no one behind, it addresses the needs and interests of women in the most vulnerable situations, such as young women, university students, unemployed women, women living in rural areas, single mothers or members of minorities (e.g. Ukrainian women refugees). 

But beyond its impact on innovation and entrepreneurship, it is contributing to more transformative change by addressing the structural causes of gender inequalities and increasing women’s participation in circular and climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, and innovation – fields that are still predominantly male-dominated. And this positive change is also possible by building partnerships with private and public sector policymakers (i.e. recommendations, roundtables, etc.) and transferring the experience of NGOs and experts from Slovakia in these fields. 

All these actions contribute to supporting Macedonian women in their efforts to build a more gender-inclusive, climate-conscious, and agriculturally innovative country.

“I definitely feel empowered through improved skills, useful contacts and friendships, and awareness about new topics. It feels great to talk about women in business as this topic is taboo in Tetovo. And I am now more concerned about the environment and food waste”  One of the female participants in the programme.