It’s not measured by grand speeches but by real, tangible change—paved streets, new kindergartens, safe and reliable public transport, accessible sidewalks, and well-lit public spaces. These are decisions that shape people’s daily lives and directly impact the quality of life in the community.
But what do the numbers say about women’s participation in local politics?
Although women make up more than half of the population in North Macedonia, their participation in public life and local decision-making is still far from equal. In the 2021 local elections, only 8% of mayoral candidates were women. Just two women were elected mayors, and women make up only 36% of local council members, dropping below 25% in some regions.
These numbers reflect deep-rooted structural barriers: gender stereotypes, discrimination, traditional mindsets, and limited access to resources. Women often face the double burden of family responsibilities, insufficient support from male party leaders, and internal party dynamics that restrict their political advancement. And yet, in precisely those challenging spaces, courageous voices are rising, women who refuse to accept the status quo and are fighting for equal participation and influence.
When Women Lead, Communities Thrive The stories of politically active women are proof that real change starts at the local level, where policies are most connected to people’s everyday lives. Marta Gjorgievska, councilor in the Municipality of Bitola, introduced the “Emergency Button” a system that allows for rapid intervention in crisis situations.
“I joined politics because I believe that local government has the power to directly improve people’s lives. I wanted to be part of that change,” Marta shared. Fatlume Nuredini, councilor in the Municipality of Lipkovo, advocated for and helped secure clean water and improved infrastructure for rural areas, tangible results stemming from her strong commitment to social justice and equal conditions for all.
“When I saw the injustices in everyday life, especially the lack of water, neglected villages, and selective policies, I knew I had to act. My engagement came from a desire to ensure that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or social background, has access to basic living conditions,” said Fatlume.
Her story shows that local politics can be a true tool for transformation, especially when women are encouraged to lead and challenge the systems that marginalize communities.
Teodora Radončić, councilor in the City of Skopje, is a powerful voice for young women in politics. She not only encourages them to stop waiting for permission to participate, but also actively carves out space for their more equal inclusion.
“Every woman who enters politics opens the door for ten more. Don’t wait to be invited, fight for your seat at the table. And if they don’t give you one, build your own,” Teodora declared.
Her message reflects a core idea: when women hold at least 30% of decision-making positions, real change becomes possible. Women’s leadership is not just personal success, it paves the way for others and contributes to fairer and more inclusive politics.
Fortesa Sejdini, councilor in the Municipality of Kičevo, advocated for funding to build a sewage system in a village that had lacked basic infrastructure for decades. Thanks to her efforts, the municipality invested €1 million in the project.
“This project proves that with persistence and the right priorities, we can bring real change to every municipality,” said Fortesa.
Her story affirms the importance of women in decision-making roles, where critical questions are asked, and public funds are allocated. When women are meaningfully represented, they often champion inclusive projects that benefit both women and men, creating fairer and more accountable local policies.
Sanja Nestorovska Lazarova, councilor in the Municipality of Aerodrom, advocates for greater transparency in municipal operations, including live broadcasts of council sessions.
“Local government should not operate in the shadows. Citizens deserve to know who follows the rules and who doesn’t. I’m here to make sure there are no hidden agendas,” said Sanja.
Transparency not only builds public trust in institutions, it is a key condition for increasing women’s participation in politics. Open, accountable processes reduce space for favoritism and discrimination and foster an environment where women can equally participate, lead, and be heard.
Men Must Be Vocal Allies for Equality
Jetmir Asani, President of the Municipal Council of Čair, advocates for increased participation of young women in local councils and for equal opportunities for all.
“The presence of young women in local councils is essential for building inclusive communities. They bring fresh energy and new ideas,” said Jetmir.
His stance reflects the importance of men as allies in the fight for gender equality. Male support and engagement are critical for breaking down barriers and building political environments where women and men have equal opportunities to participate and lead. When everyone is included, institutions become fairer, more inclusive, and more responsive to people’s needs.
Nenad Matevski, councilor in the Municipality of Centar, emphasizes that including women in all aspects of local decision-making, from social policy to urban planning, brings added value and more inclusive outcomes.
“When women are involved in decision-making, priorities change. But their role shouldn’t be limited to ‘soft’ areas like education, health, or social care. Women must be equal participants in shaping economic, infrastructure, and security policies too. Politics cannot be a men-only club,” Nenad said, underscoring the fact that only with diverse gender perspectives in all policy areas enables fair and sustainable decisions to be be made that reflect the needs of the entire population.
IFES – Behind Every Empowered Woman is a Network of Support
Through the Swiss Electoral Support Programme, implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), hundreds of women across the country have received leadership training, access to mentorship, visibility for their work, resources for community engagement, and encouragement to run for office.
Our platform is dedicated to democracy, representation, and fair elections. The local elections in October 2025 offer an opportunity to open space for the meaningful inclusion of women in politics, not only as candidates but as shapers of policies that respond to the real needs of communities, both women and men.
Women must be present where decisions are made, in councils, in executive leadership, and within party structures. But their presence must be more than symbolic, it must be influential, equal, and substantial. Political parties, as key actors in the process, must recognize the value of women’s political voices.
They must foster conditions for genuine gender equality, not merely to meet quotas, but because inclusive politics are stronger, fairer, and more effective. Now is the time to encourage, support, and motivate more women to run, organize, and lead. Because local politics is a tool for change, but only if there’s room for everyone.
“Women are not just numbers to fill quotas, they are carriers of ideas, vision, and transformation. Local elections are an opportunity for more women to truly engage in politics: as candidates, as policy drivers, and as active decision-makers. For that to happen, political parties must recognize the real value of women’s leadership and create space for their meaningful, not symbolic, participation: in every council, in every municipality, and in every decision that shapes community life.”
* 36% women in municipal councils Source: State Election Commission (SEC), IFES, and UN Women reports (2021–2023)
** In some regions, representation falls below 25% Source: IFES Macedonia, “Mapping Local Women’s Representation” (2023)
