11 Oktomvri 17
1000 Skopje
North Macedonia
- Gender
The National Council for Gender Equality (NCGE) is a national, multi-ethnic, multi-generational network dedicated to gender equality, women's rights, and peace. Founded in 1994, it has become one of the largest women's networks in North Macedonia. The organization employs 2 full-time staff and 13 contract workers, with an annual budget of approximately 280,000 euros. Key donors include the Delegation of the European Union North Macedonia, UN Women, and the Ministry of Social Policy and Labor. NCGE's activities encompass projects, exchanges, seminars, mentoring, trainings, and capacity building. Additionally, NCGE operates the first SOS Helpline and Counselling center available for women victims of domestic violence, providing crucial support and assistance. Governing bodies of the Union-National Council for Gender Equality are: - Assembly - Executive Board - Supervisory Board
Vision, mission and goals - Our vision is gender equality, guaranteed women's rights, elimination of discrimination against women in society and family, development and peace. - Our mission is the promotion of women's rights as human rights, eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and building a society with equal opportunities. - Principles and values on which the work of NCGE is based equality, non-violence, tolerance, solidarity, dialogue and cooperation, civil activism, sustainable development, responsibility, transparency, multiculturalism, respect and protection of human rights, participatory democracy, social justice and inclusion.
Realized projects in 2023: 1. Vision, mission and strategy of the Union-National Council for Gender Equality 2023 The project "Vision, mission and strategy of the Union-National Council for Gender Equality 2023" supports the annual work program of NCGE and addresses the six strategic goals of the organization. It enables the building of the capacities of the NCGE network through the mobilization and strengthening of the executive office and the regional centers in Kavadarci, Pehchevo, Resen and Struga. During 2023 NCGE together with its members worked on the main challenges related to gender equality with the aim of increasing the participation of women in public life and decision-making processes, through cooperation and mutual support, advocacy and promotion of women's rights, the struggle against violence, the fight for equal opportunities in all spheres of social life. Donor: Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia Donation: MKD 3,788,400 Duration: 12 months 2. "From diversity unaware to transformative local communities that recognize diversity and inclusive equality" The project aims to enable local civil society organizations to become active participants in the evaluation of local budgets and policies, promoting equality and inclusiveness in their communities. The focus will be on encouraging dialogue with local and national governments, effective advocacy and monitoring of reforms related to the accession process. In addition, the project will improve sectoral networking of CSOs and policy dialogue through two of the twelve IPA sectoral working groups. The project will adopt an inclusive approach and work closely with CSO representatives in 17 municipalities to develop evidence-based policies that will counter discrimination and promote equality and inclusion. The target group of the project are representatives from local civil society organizations based on rights and 17 LGU units from the following municipalities: Karposh, Shtip, Pehchevo, Kriva Palanka, Lipkovo, Konche, Strumica, Bitola, Mogila, Novaci, Gradsko, Rosoman, Kavadarci, Struga , Vevcani, Gostivar, Vrapchiste. Donor: Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia Donation: 20,434,482 MKD Duration: 36 months 3. "Crisis-resistant Balkan" The overall goal of the project is to achieve gender equality, social inclusion and better outcomes for women and marginalized groups during crisis situations. In partnership with Protecta-Nish and Ipact-Sarajevo, the project seeks to improve the resilience of women and marginalized groups by prioritizing their needs in crisis response and recovery efforts. The action aims to respond to systemic vulnerabilities and ensure the correct distribution of resources, thus supporting the longterm well-being of women, as well as enabling them to be more resilient to future crisis situations. By promoting gender responsive budgeting and financing, the project contributes to the empowerment of women and marginalized groups and seeks to create lasting change by influencing policies, budget processes and decision-making structures. The project aims to institutionalize gender equality and social inclusion as fundamental principles in crisis management and recovery. Donor: Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) Donation: MKD 1,537,500 4. "Through women's lenses: Initiating policy and budget initiatives, monitoring the implementation of local action plans for gender equality The project "Through women's lenses: raising policies and budget initiatives, monitoring the implementation of local action plans for gender equality". The subject of monitoring and analysis is the scope and nature of the activities undertaken by the municipality of Shuto Orizari in the process of annual planning and budget preparation, in accordance with the legally determined budget calendar. The main goal of the project is to influence education after the mapped problems. Donor: Center for Research and Policy Making Donation: MKD 249,075 Duration: 18 months 5. SOS National Mobile Helpline to support women victims of domestic violence The project aims to provide 24/7 access to help, support and protection of victims of violence through a national free SOS mobile line. The service provides 24-hour operation of the SOS line, from all mobile operators in the country, all days of the month, enabling constant access to support and assistance, counseling, referring the victim to other direct services, connecting with institutions responsible for dealing with violence. Six operators work on the SOS line in Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish and Romani languages. Donor: Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Donation: 1,440,000 MKD Duration: 12 months okay now based on this answer this Main Projects / Activities
NCGE is at the forefront of promoting gender equality, protecting women's rights, and fostering peace in North Macedonia. With a history dating back to 1994, NCGE has emerged as a pivotal organization within the civil sector, renowned for its comprehensive approach to advancing women's rights and eliminating discrimination. Our extensive portfolio includes over 100 impactful projects aimed at empowering women and advocating for their rights as fundamental human rights. Central to our efforts is the management of a vital service in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy—the national free mobile SOS line for victims of domestic violence. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting vulnerable women and ensuring their access to essential services and protection. NCGE's contribution extends beyond direct service provision. We have cultivated a generation of over 1,000 young activists, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities. Through capacity building and leadership development programs, we foster a cadre of empowered individuals dedicated to advancing gender equality and social justice. Our advocacy efforts are grounded in evidence-based policy recommendations and dialogue with stakeholders at all levels of governance. By influencing policy agendas and promoting inclusive practices, NCGE strives to create a society where women have equal opportunities in all spheres of life. Guided by principles of equality, non-violence, tolerance, solidarity, and participatory democracy, NCGE remains steadfast in its mission to build a society that respects and protects women's rights. We are committed to collaborating within the Network to amplify our impact, share best practices, and contribute to a more equitable future for all.
Joining the Anna Lindh Foundation Network represents a strategic alignment with NCGE's vision and mission to advance gender equality, protect women's rights, and promote peace in North Macedonia and beyond. The ALF Network's commitment to intercultural dialogue and cooperation resonates deeply with our values of equality, tolerance, and solidarity. Amplifying Impact: NCGE seeks to expand its impact by collaborating within a diverse and extensive network of civil society organizations, institutions, and individuals across the Euro-Mediterranean region. By sharing our expertise in women's empowerment and advocacy for gender equality, we aim to contribute to broader regional efforts towards social justice and inclusion. Learning and Exchange: Joining the ALF Network provides invaluable opportunities for learning, exchange of best practices, and capacity building. NCGE is eager to engage in dialogue with peers from different cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and exploring innovative approaches to common challenges. Advancing Shared Goals: The ALF Network's focus on promoting cultural diversity, youth engagement, and addressing societal issues through dialogue aligns closely with NCGE's mission. By participating actively in network activities, we aim to advance shared goals of promoting peace, social cohesion, and respect for human rights across our region. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating within the ALF Network enables NCGE to forge strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations and stakeholders. These partnerships are instrumental in advocating for policy change, influencing decision-making processes, and building sustainable initiatives that benefit marginalized communities, particularly women and youth. Commitment to Anna Lindh's Legacy: Inspired by Anna Lindh's legacy of fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect, NCGE is committed to contributing actively to the foundation's mission of building bridges between cultures and promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society. Joining the ALF Network represents a significant opportunity for NCGE to strengthen its regional presence, amplify its advocacy efforts, and contribute to a collective vision of a more equitable and peaceful world.